A Safer Way to Travel

Click on any image to see the full size version

FastCounter by bcentral

© 2000 by Pudsmom

A Word about Car Seats and Your Vacation

When you are at home, you naturally secure your children in a car seat. Should the rules be different because you are on vacation? Safety never takes a vacation! If you overlook this very important item, sadly, it could be the last vacation you take as a family.

Most car rental agencies have child safety seats you can rent but you can never be sure of the condition of the seat you are renting. You maintain the safety of your seat at home. You know how to operate it and your child is comfortable with it. You don't know what abuse the seat you are getting from the agency has taken. Could you figure out in an emergency how to get your child out quickly? What if the agency runs out of car seats before you get there?

For most families, children in car seats is a common everyday occurrence. But what about when you fly? You secure your precious children in a car traveling only 65 miles an hour. Why would you not secure them in a plane traveling several hundred miles an hour? Yes, plane tickets cost money and a "lap child" can save you money. But is your child's life worth the risk? Are you familiar with the phrase "Your money or your life"? It's your child. It's your choice.

Most airlines keep the "fasten seat belt" sign on for the entire flight. For a very good reason. You never know when "clear air turbulence" could hit. How would you feel if your child were not in a car seat or seated with their seat belt fastened and they "bounced" against the ceiling? You are the one responsible for their safety, not the airline. Again, it's your child. It's your choice.

So buckle up and live to enjoy this vacation.

For more information on car seat safety, please visit the Passenger Safety Education web site.