Child Safety and Your Subaru: 5 Tips for Driving With Kids

Child safety is vital at all times, and there are specific things you should pay attention to when traveling with children of all ages in the car. If you apply these tips, then you should have no problem staying safe while traveling in a family SUV from your local Los Angeles Subaru dealership.

 

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Buckled Up

Though kids may not like seatbelts, they should be buckled up at all times. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved by seat belts over the last 50 years.

2. Use Child Seats, Booster Seats, and Car Seats

California law states children under eight years old have to be in a child seat at all times while traveling in a vehicle. When the child reaches eight years old or 4’9″, they can graduate to a belt-positioning booster seat.

Children under the age of two have to ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child is 40 inches tall or weighs more than 40 pounds. Once the child reaches that height or weight, they should be secured in a way recommended by the manufacturers of an appropriate car seat.

3. Carefully Install Your Child Seat

Child seats can be difficult to install, so make sure you carefully follow any instructions that come with the seat. If you don’t have the instructions anymore, then look for instructions online. There may also be car seat technicians in your area who can assist you in installing the child seat and making sure it’s safe.

4. Keep the Kids Calm

Though going on a car ride can be exciting, it’s important that kids stay as calm as possible. Moving around and being too loud in the back seat can distract the driver, which is risky for child and adult passengers alike. Modern Subaru cars have lots of technology in them, so consider keeping the kids entertained by playing music or a podcast that keeps them calm and entertained via your Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system.

5. Use Seat Belts Correctly

Two children should never be secured by one seatbelt, and all parts of the seatbelt need to be used at all times. Show your kids how to properly secure themselves with the seatbelt so that it goes across their chest and their lap. Although it may be more comfortable, ensure your kids don’t tuck their seatbelt under their arm, as this positioning of the seatbelt makes the belt less effective.

Need a family car to drive safely in while implementing the tips above? Visit Puente Hills Subaru in City of Industry, CA to find the best car for your family’s needs.

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