Tips to prepare for road trips this summer
VOLVO Cars, the first car maker to actively test child seats in crash tests as far back as the early 1960s, is launching a range of three new child seats with a focus on design, comfort and convenience.
As a pioneer in child safety, Volvo Cars’ heritage of development, testing and clear installation and usage guidelines for parents is unequalled.
‘We understand that many people find child safety in cars a complex and sometimes confusing subject. We have focused for many years on communicating clear guidelines around how child seats should be used and the correct way to install them,’ said Lotta Jakobsson, Adjunct Professor, PhD and Senior Technical Leader, Injury Prevention at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
Teaching adults how to install and operate a child seat is one thing, getting the child to stay in the seat is another entirely – especially when the child gets older.
‘Our focus is on ensuring that young children travel in the safest manner possible, depending upon their size and age. This means rearward-facing up to the age of at least three or four years, and after that with child seats or booster cushions until the child is up to 140 cm in height.
‘ The safety benefits are unquestionable, yet many parents unwittingly allow their children to sit forward-facing too early. One of the many reasons quoted for this is comfort – the child complains that there is not enough legroom, or is too warm due to the upholstery,’ said Lotta Jakobsson.
Volvo Cars’ new generation of child seats is made with a more breathable and comfortable upholstery comprised of 80 per cent wool textile which makes the seats smoother to the touch, highly durable, and better-performing in both hot and cold climates. The seats also have a slimmer design, aimed to increase legroom and overall comfort.
The new seats are designed to suit the needs of children of different ages and sizes:
- Infant seat – rearward-facing (up to 13 kg or nine months)
- Child seat – rearward-facing for children from nine months up to six years (at least three to four years old, as recommended by Volvo)
- Booster seat – forward-facing for children that have outgrown the rearward-facing seat (from three to 10 years old). MOTORING solutions specialists, easytrip Ireland, Ireland’s only parking and tolling provider, is advising drivers to prepare in advance for road trips this summer holiday season. With more vehicles taking to the roads, motorists tend to be more susceptible to breakdowns, accidents and penalties, in times of heavy traffic.
Inspect car before you set off - make sure the vehicle is safe and in good working order. Check oil, water, fuel levels, tyres, headlights, indicators and windscreen wipers. Ensure coolant levels are at the right level also to avoid overheating.
Have a good pair of sunglasses – and wear them whilst driving as summer sun can cause a glare on the windscreen and reduce your visibility.
Getting stuck in traffic - stay calm and get a passenger to use a smartphone with GPS to seek any suitable alternative routes using Google Maps App to check traffic conditions in the area.
Air filter - check your (cabin) air filter has been replaced as this can greatly help any asthma or hay fever sufferers travelling in the car.
Road trip snacks – don’t overlook the ever-important car snacks. Make sure they are portable and transport-resistant to reduce any spillage.
Mobile phone charger - ensure you have an in-car mobile phone charger with you in case of a breakdown or accident.
Braking distance - if your car is loaded with luggage and people, the extra weight means your braking distance will be increased so make sure you leave room between you and the car in front.
In car entertainment - agree in advance on a music playlist and any toys or DVDs (for the portable DVD player) to entertain passengers. Always have a few games as backup for children in case the inevitable boredom sets in.
Stay safe - don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving, stick to the speed limit and ensure all passengers are wearing their safety belts at all times.
And finally, be patient - you may get stuck behind a tourist who’s lost so be patient on the road and enjoy the drive.