Motorists planning to take long family road trips over the half-term holidays have been urged not to make one mistake that could put their young children in danger.
With children across many parts of the country having a week off school, now is the perfect time for families to catch up with loved ones or go for a break in another part of the country.
However, Group 1 Automotive urged all drivers to make sure their young children who need to be strapped into car seats are not wearing bulky coats.
They advised: “Coats with thick padding or hoods mean that your child will not be strapped into their car seat properly – allowing gaps between them and their harness.
“This means that if you were to find yourself in an accident, your child is not secure and their seatbelt can move, leading to serious injuries.”
Whilst the current spell of cold weather will make many parents want to wrap their young children up in thick coats, Group 1 Automotive warned that some jackets may put them at risk.
In particular, bulky coats could result in the seatbelt hugging the fabric more than the occupant, creating gaps that children could slide through in the event of a crash.
As a result, it is vital that parents make sure that their children are wearing suitable coats or layers of clothing before getting into the car, particularly choosing thermal items.
Once inside the car, parents were also advised to make sure the harness straps properly secure the young occupant by trying to pinch the belt.
They added: “Remember, even if you think your child is firmly in their harness, test the straps.
“Check your child car seat straps by seeing if the belt can be pinched or folded – if it can, this is too lax and needs to be tightened.”
Finally, Group 1 Automotive recommended that motorists pack an emergency bag that can help to keep all family members safe and comfortable on long trips.
This bag should feature a change of warm clothing for each occupant they are travelling with, blankets, and hats that can help to keep everyone comfortable if they are left stranded at the roadside.
Other items such as non-perishable foods, water, a torch, and a portable phone charger, can also help to keep occupants safe and raise awareness in the event of a breakdown.
