Car Safety Tips for the Whole Family

During the holiday season, it’s not unusual to pack up the whole family and head out on a road trip to visit friends, family or just take in the beautiful countryside. But before you head out with the whole family, make sure you’re all prepared with our car safety tips for traveling with children, seniors and pets.

Children

• Keep kids occupied and engaged with sing-along CDs, activity books and other games
• Have another adult passenger in the car to handle most of the interactions with the kids so the driver isn’t distracted
• Secure any loose items (like tablets and portable DVD players) and provide your kids with plush toys and games; loose items can be thrown in the event of a crash or sudden stop and cause even more damage
• Ensure each child has age-appropriate safety seats that are installed properly

Seniors

• Traveling long distances can be difficult for elderly people; make sure to plan for plenty of stops so they can get out and stretch their legs
• Ask their doctor for specific recommendations if the individual has recently had a stroke or suffers from blood clots
• Make sure you have adequate space for any walkers or wheelchairs; secure them safely but have them at hand for convenience

Pets

• Always keep pets safe and secure in a crate or carrier with plenty of ventilation
• Pack toys, food, a bowl, leash and favourite toys or pillows to make them comfortable
• Don’t leave animals alone in a parked car, no matter what the time of year
• If possible, introduce your pet to car travel gradually before embarking on a long road trip
• Make sure you have all the necessary medications and any travel documents you might need

Get even more tips for traveling safely in your car with a pet from Logel’s Auto Parts in Kitchener.