Safe2Drive Blog

Every parent wants their child to be safe in the car, but not everyone knows how to accomplish that. National Child Passenger Safety Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of car seat safety. To help parents and caregivers of little ones, we’ve put together a guide on how to make sure kids are safe in the car.

How to Choose the Right Car Seat

The best car seat for your child will depend on their age, weight, and height. There are several types of car seats:

• Rear-facing car seats: For infants and toddlers up to 2 years old or until they reach the manufacturer’s weight and height limits.
• Forward-facing car seats: For children who have outgrown their rear-facing car seat. They should remain in a forward-facing car seat until they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
• Booster seats: For children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat. They should use a booster seat until they can fit in a seat belt properly. This means the shoulder belt fits snugly across their shoulder and chest and the lap belt lies snugly across their upper thighs.

Their size is more important than their age when determining what seat they should be in. Even if your child is "old enough" to move to the next size seat, it’s safest to keep them in their seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for that seat.

Outdated standards suggested one-year-old children could be front-facing, but we now know that’s too soon.

Keep toddlers in rear-facing seats as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children remain rear-facing until they’ve reached the maximum weight or height for their convertible seat (usually 3-5 years old).

It’s perfectly safe for the child’s legs to touch the vehicle’s back seat while rear-facing, as long as they’re still within the height and weight requirements for their convertible seat. Rear-facing seats protect the child’s neck in a collision. The risk of head and neck injuries is greatly reduced when the child is rear-facing.

How to Install a Car Seat

Even though child safety seats are required to meet the same federal standards, some seats are easier to install than others. If the seat isn’t installed correctly, the child isn’t safe.

Follow these steps to install your child’s car seat:

• Read the manual: Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific car seat.
• Choose the right seat: Install the car seat in the rear center seat if possible, as it offers the most protection. If this isn’t an option, install it in the rear outboard seat.
• Secure the base: Attach the base to the car seat and secure it to the vehicle’s anchor points or seat belts according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install the car seat: Place the car seat on the base and secure it with the seat belt or LATCH system.
• Check for tightness: Be sure that the car seat is tightly secured by pulling on the top of the seat.

If you’re not sure you’ve installed the seat properly, you can have a certified technician inspect it. Visit NHTSA’s website to find a car seat inspection location near you.

Safety Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips for keeping children safe in the car:

• Never leave a child alone in the car, even for a moment. Cars heat up quickly and children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke.
• Avoid distractions. If you’re focusing on the kids in the car, you’re not focused on driving.
• Inspect your child’s seat regularly. Check for any damage, wear and tear, or recalls on the seat. It’s likely to come loose over time, so keep an eye on it.
• Utilize your rear-view mirror to keep an eye on your child. It’s safer to quickly glance in the mirror than it is to turn around in the driver’s seat to see what the child is doing.

National Child Passenger Safety Week is a great reminder to make sure your kiddo is safe and snug in their car seat. We hope this guide helps you as you navigate the world of child safety seats!

Are you interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Every parent wants their child to be safe in the car, but not everyone knows how to accomplish that. National Child Passenger Safety Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of car seat safety. To help parents and caregivers of little ones, we’ve put together a guide on how to make sure kids are safe in the car.

No one wants to deal with vehicle issues. And absolutely no one wants to deal with vehicle issues while transporting kids to or from school. A well-maintained vehicle is the secret to a smooth start to the school year. What type of maintenance does your vehicle need? Let’s take a look.

Every car has its own needs, but there are some general guidelines you can follow to make sure yours is in tip-top shape. Here’s a list of maintenance checks for gas vehicles:

• Oil change and filter replacement (follow your manufacturer’s recommended intervals)
• Tire rotation and pressure check (including spare tire)
• Air filter replacement
• Cabin air filter replacement
• Wiper blade check (replace if worn or cracked )
• Brake pad and rotor inspection
• Battery check (make sure to check for corrosion and clean it off safely if needed)
• Fluids check: engine coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid
• Lights check: headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals

Do you own an electric vehicle? Here are some checks for you to do:

• Visual inspection of high-voltage components for damage or leaks
• Cabin air filter replacement
• Wiper blade check (replace if worn or cracked)
• Brake pad inspection
• Fluids check: brake fluid and coolant (if applicable)
• Lights check: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Take the time now to get your vehicle in the best shape it can be so you won’t have to worry about it when you’re rushing to school later!

Are you interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

No one wants to deal with vehicle issues. And absolutely no one wants to deal with vehicle issues while transporting kids to or from school. A well-maintained vehicle is the secret to a smooth start to the school year. What type of maintenance does your vehicle need? Let’s take a look.

September is National Courtesy Month, and if there’s one place where courtesy is key, it’s behind the wheel. Driving is a shared experience, and our actions on the road directly impact the safety and well-being of others. Let’s take a look at some ways to stay courteous on the road this month!

1. Yield

Yielding is a crucial aspect of road etiquette and safety. You must be patient and allow other drivers and roadway users to proceed ahead of you when necessary.

2. Signal Appropriately

Clear communication is essential on the road. Signaling your intentions helps other drivers anticipate your movements and avoid collisions. Here are some signaling tips:

• Signal well in advance: Indicate your turns or lane changes early to give other drivers time to react.
• Signal consistently: Use your turn signals consistently and accurately to avoid confusion.
• Cancel your signal: Turn off your signal once you have completed your maneuver.

3. Don’t Tailgate

Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a common cause of collisions. It’s also pretty annoying, which can cause other drivers to react aggressively. Maintaining a safe following distance allows you to react in time if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or changes lanes.

4. Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is a major safety hazard. Avoid any activities that could take your attention away from the road, such as:

5. Share the Road with Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right to use the road safely, just like drivers. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to share the road with pedestrians and yield to them at crosswalks. Be super alert in areas with lots of pedestrian activity, like school zones and parking lots.

National Courtesy Month is an opportunity to reflect on our driving habits and make a commitment to safer and more considerate driving. We hope these tips inspire you to make safe and courteous choices on the road!

Are you interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

September is National Courtesy Month, and if there’s one place where courtesy is key, it’s behind the wheel. Driving is a shared experience, and our actions on the road directly impact the safety and well-being of others. Let’s take a look at some ways to stay courteous on the road this month!

Getting your license is a big step on the road to independence. It can be fun and exciting to earn your driver’s license as a teen, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest is staying focused and avoiding distractions. In 2022, there were over 200 people killed in traffic collisions involving a distracted teen driver. Those deaths were avoidable. Here’s a list of tips to help keep you focused and safe from distractions.

1. Put your phone away.

This first tip is the most obvious, yet something many people don’t bother to do. Even a quick glance at a notification will take your eyes off the road for too long. Use the "Do Not Disturb" feature or a driving mode app to block incoming alerts while you’re behind the wheel.

Many states are very strict when it comes to teen drivers and cell phone use. Keep in mind that even hands-free cell phone use can be distracting and, in many cases, illegal. It’s best to keep your phone out of reach and only use it when you’re stopped and the car is in park.

2. Prepare your music before you start driving.

Music can make driving more enjoyable, but searching for songs while driving is risky. Before you start your trip, create a playlist or choose an album to listen to so you won’t need to touch your phone while driving. Lots of streaming platforms even have an AI option where it’ll serve up music it thinks you’re in the mood for based on what you normally listen to. It’s a great option for drivers!

3. Set expectations for your passengers.

Driving with friends or siblings can be fun, but it can also lead to distractions. It’s important to set rules to keep everyone focused on the road. Make it clear that you need to concentrate on driving and that they should keep noise and activities to a minimum.

4. Snack with care.

Eating while driving can be distracting, especially if the food is messy or requires two hands. Choose simple, easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars or apple slices if you need to eat on the go, and always prepare them before driving.

5. Plan your route ahead of time.

Getting lost or trying to figure out directions while driving can be stressful and distracting. Before you start driving, take a moment to look up your route. If you’re using your phone as a GPS, make sure you set that up before you start driving. If you need to change your route along the way, pull over in a safe place first, or ask a passenger to take care of it for you.

Driving safely and responsibly is non-negotiable. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you stay focused on the road and protect yourself and others.

Want to learn more about driving?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Getting your license is a big step on the road to independence. It can be fun and exciting to earn your driver’s license as a teen, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest is staying focused and avoiding distractions. In 2022, there were over 200 people killed in traffic collisions involving a distracted teen driver. Those deaths were avoidable. Here’s a list of tips to help keep you focused and safe from distractions.