Getting there safely

Whether it's around the neighborhood or on a family trip, families travel every day. Car seats, helmets, and other safety devices can help keep families safe when they're on the go.

Infants should ride in the back seat in a rear facing car seat until they are 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. If an infant reaches 20 pounds before age 1, he or she should still ride in a rear facing seat until the first birthday.

Once your child is one year old and weighs at least 20 pounds, he or she should ride in a forward facing car seat in the back seat of the car. Your child should stay in this style of seat until he or she is 4 years old and at least 40 pounds.

When you child is 4 years old and at least 40 pounds, he or she will outgrow the forward facing car seat. At this point, children should ride in booster seats in the back seat of the car. Booster seats raise children up so that the safety belts fit properly. In California, children need to use a booster seat until they are 6 years old or at least 60 pounds. It's best for children to use booster seats until they are 8 years old or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Once children are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, they can ride in the backseat without the booster seat. Make sure they are still using the safety belt. The lap part of the belt should lie across their hips and the shoulder belt should fit across the chest.

Once children are 12 to 13 years of age, they can ride safely in the front seat of the car. Older children and adults should always use a safety belt when driving or riding in a car.

If your child is in a car seat, it is important to make sure the car seat is installed properly. Many people are not aware that their car seat is not installed properly. Check with your local Highway Patrol office, AAA office, police station, fire station, or hospital to see if they perform car seat installation inspections. A car seat that isn't installed right doesn't provide as much protection for your child.

As the weather heats up, cars can become dangerous even when they are parked. Never leave a child unattended in a car. The inside of the car can become very hot very quickly. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. Sometimes parents and other caregivers may forget they have a child in the car, especially if they are in a rush or if they are out of their normal routine. To avoid this, consider placing a briefcase, cell phone, or other item you always carry with you in the backseat next to the child.

Cars aren't the only way children get around. Children bicycle, tricycle, roller skate, skateboard, and scooter, too. These are great ways to get some exercise and can help your child feel more independent. Make sure children wear a helmet when they bicycle, skate, or ride a scooter. Teach children about road rules and how to ride safely when there are cars around. Remember that children do what they see adults doing, so make sure to wear your helmet and follow road rules, too.