Summertime tips for safe driving.

PositionCar Travel

For many of us, our summer calendars are filled with weddings, graduations, vacations, and weekend getaways. Traveling to these engagements often requires a significant amount of lime behind the wheel. The California Office of Traffic Safety has developed guidelines for all drivers-not just those on the West Coast--to help make every trip a safe one.

Plan, map, and estimate the distance ahead of time and let others know your plans. Go online to check road conditions, including possible closures.

Buckle up---every trip, every time. Parents and caregivers need to use the correct seat for young passengers and be sure the seat is installed properly. Infants, toddlers, and older children should use a car seat for as long as possible--as long as the child fits within the manufacturer's height and weight requirements. Older children need to ride in a booster seat from about age four until a seat belt fits them correctly.

Remember that long trips can be particularly tough on youngsters, especially in the heat, so pack plenty of snacks and cold drinks. Use books, toys, DVDs, and video games to keep children occupied so the driver can stay focused. Keep kids 12 and under in the backseat-it is the safest place. Stopping along the drive gives everyone a chance to stretch and makes the trip easier. If you have a fussy baby, do not take him or her out of the car seat while driving to soothe or provide a bottle. If your child needs that level of attention, pull over in a safe place, such as a rest stop.

Never leave a child alone in a car--not even for a minute. If you see one unattended in a vehicle, especially a hot one, call 911. EMS professionals are trained to determine if he or she is in trouble.

When driving with a child, place your cell phone, purse, or other important items needed at your next stop on the floor in front of the youngster in the backseat...

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