Travel Guidelines for Parents

Here are some guidelines for child car safety.

• The back seat is the safest place for all children to ride.
   
• Never put a rear-facing baby in front of a passenger air bag. In a crash, the air bag inflates very quickly and with great force. The child safety seat could be hit by the air bag and cause serious injuries or even death.
   
• If you have no other option than to transport a child who is medically fragile in the front seat and your car has a passenger air bag, you will need to have your air bag switched off. Contact the NHTSA for a permission form and details (888-DASH-2-DOT [888-327-4236] or http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov).  
   
• Depending on your child's condition, it may be wise to limit the amount of car travel.
   
• Stop often if your trip is long.
   
• When possible, an adult should ride in the back seat next to your child to watch him or her closely.
   
• Develop a medical care plan in case your child has a medical emergency during travel. Some parents attach a copy of the plan to the child's car safety seat/restraint.
   
• Carry with you an emergency kit that includes any special medications or supplies that your child may need. A checklist will help you ensure that the right medications and supplies are always with you. Do not leave this kit in the vehicle.
   
• Keep a cellular phone with you to contact help, if needed. Some cellular phones can dial 911 even if you do not purchase a service contract.
   
• Never use a reclined vehicle seat to transport a child. In a crash, the child can slip out of position and not be protected by the seat belt.
   
• In some instances, such as very tall children in casts, professional transport may be needed.
   
• Apply for a handicap parking permit on behalf of your child if it is hard to get him or her in and out of the car safety restraint. Handicap parking often allows more space to maneuver.
   
• Never leave your child alone in a vehicle, even to do an errand that should only take a minute. Your child's safety is worth the effort to remove them from the car safety seat/restraint and take them with you.  Secure the child back in the safety sear when you return.

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