Are you distracted when driving in your car? Maybe you are not on the phone or texting someone, so you think you are just fine. But are you preoccupied with thoughts of the day ahead of you? Do you have lots going on at work or do you think you will be late for a class or late for work? Do you have an errand to run, like stopping quickly at the bank, or maybe you need some milk or baby food and then you look back and see your child has fallen asleep. What do you do? Wake up the child or let them sleep peacefully and run into a store for just a minute. Or, do you arrive at your destination and never look back? Always keep in mind, - Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle.

In areas where you have warm weather most of the year, as well as northern areas where it is hot only several months out of the year, children should never be left alone in a vehicle. The statistics for children dying in a hot car seem to be increasing each year.

The car can be considered a metal box and the hot sun can increase its temperature to be equivalent to an oven.

When the temperature outside is 93 degrees, after 20 minutes the car will be 125 degrees, and after 40 minutes it can be about 140 degrees.

A car parked in direct sunlight can reach as high as 170 degrees even after 15 minutes. At that temperature it takes only a few minutes for children to die or suffer brain, liver and kidney damage.

When caregivers or parents become pre-occupied are in a hurry and have already dropped several children at school or day care and a child falls asleep while sitting in the back in the car seat, they can be forgotten. Try to use something as a reminder to prevent this from ever happening.

Some suggestions include:

• Set your cell phone or blackberry reminder.


• Have your day care call you if your child does not arrive by a set time each day.


• Use a daily checklist that lists everything you need to do, especially when transporting children.

If you are a bus driver or van driver, check the vehicle from end to end. Perhaps use an object that at pick up time you put it in the back of the vehicle, and at drop off, you bring it with you to the front while checking every seat as well as under the seats.

Additional child safety tips include:

• Teach children not to play in or around cars.


• Always make sure all passengers have left your car when you park.


• Make sure to check the temperature of the car seat surface and safety belt buckles before restraining a child.


• Keep car keys away from children and always lock your car, so that children do not look to sneak into the car or trunk to hide or to play.


• If you see children alone in a locked car, try to find the parents, if you cannot locate anyone in a short period of time call 9-1-1.

Although every state has different laws regarding this, many can charge you with a crime that involves a trial, and possible prison time.

Don't be a statistic. Don't get distracted. Concentrate and Focus.
KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE.

Additional Articles:
Summer Heat Warning - Never Leave Children Alone in Cars
Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer Heat

Labels: child safety, driver safety tips, summer car care, summer driving

Travel experts predict that, with the poor economy and the high price of airline tickets, fewer people will be flying and more people will be driving to nearby summer vacation destinations this year. If you are one of those planning to drive this summer, prepping the car in advance will save you a lot of grief and help make your vacation a memorable one.

Engine – At the very least, before you leave, you should have your oil changed and all your fluid levels checked. Have all belts checked for wear and proper tension. When driving on an interstate in Florida or Arizona, the last thing you want to lose is your air conditioner, so a pre-summer check of your air conditioning system should be done. While checking your engine, take time to make sure that the headlights and signal lights are functioning properly.

Tires – All tires (including your spare) should be checked for wear and proper inflation. Worn tires should be replaced before the trip. Long hot roadways and worn tires are not a good combination. Properly inflated tires will also help improve your gas mileage. Make sure you have a functioning jack and tools for changing a tire if necessary.

Windows – Make sure your windows are clean and kept clean. The rising or setting sun or an inconsiderate driver's high beams reflecting on a dirty window can blind you to the road ahead.

Emergency Kit – At a minimum, a car's emergency kit should contain:
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Emergency signaling devices (reflective triangles, "help needed" flag, flares)
• A small tool kit (or a pliers/screwdriver/knife combination tool)
• A knife
• Duct tape
• Plastic insulating tape
• A gallon jug of water
• Brake fluid
• Spare fuses and signal light bulbs

GPS – If you have a GPS device, take time to program those important destinations before you set out. Taking your eyes off the road, even momentarily, to program a GPS can be very dangerous.

Cargo Racks – If you are adding a luggage or bicycle rack, make sure that it is properly and securely attached to the car. If your luggage rack is enclosed, make sure the locking latch is secure. Enclosed luggage racks should be mounted to prevent them blowing open in the wind. Items in the back of a pickup truck should be securely fastened and covered.

Trailer hitch – If you plan to tow a trailer, inspect the trailer hitch and electrical connections. If you don't normally tow a trailer, make sure your engine is rated for the weight of the trailer. You don't want to stall trying to pull too heavy a weight up a mountain road.

Packing – In the rush to pack a car, don't forget to pack those items, such as child care items that you will need frequent access to, last. You don't want to delay your trip by completely unpacking the trunk to look for that critical item.

Following these tips will help you have a safe and memorable vacation.

Labels: summer car care, summer driving, summer vacation