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Ready to set off on your summer break? Tips for enjoying a safe journey



The arrival of summer means longer days, children on holiday and for adults, if they are lucky, a shorter working day. All this leads to more frequent outings in the car, and we don't just mean long journeys, but also sporadic trips and driving round the town. Whatever the case, more time is spent in the car in very high temperatures, which is why you need to keep some tips in mind when settling your kids into the car in order to make their journey safe and enjoyable.

Keep a close eye on the temperature inside the vehicle

In summer, high temperatures are multiplied inside the car if it is out in the sun and is either not fitted with air-conditioning or else has the engine switched off. It is very important to keep the inside temperature of the car between 22 and 25 degrees centigrade, so that all passengers travel in comfort. Children are much more sensitive to heat for many reasons (we recommend taking a look at this infographic about heatstroke), and you should remember that heat waves are not confined to July and August; they can happen at any time if the right conditions occur.

Heat also makes children sweat, and profuse sweating can lead to possible dehydration. That is the reason it is always advisable to carry fresh water in the car and to ensure that children are properly hydrated. Furthermore, if they are sweating a lot, you can follow these practical tips to ensure they are cooler in their seats.

Above all, never leave children alone inside a parked car even in the shade but especially not in full sunlight. Inside temperatures can rise rapidly to over 60 degrees centigrade and cause heatstroke.

Plan the journey in advance and take everything you need

Preparing for the journey is one of the most sensible and recommendable strategies, especially if traveling with children. It is always prudent to stop and rest, stretch your legs and freshen up, even more so with children who will thank you for it. It is advisable to stop every two hours and to remove children from their car seats so that they can change their posture.

Remember that you should always keep keep your car in perfect condition to avoid nasty surprises, and similarly to use a certified child restraint system, officially approved and in good condition, as well being correctly installed and suitable for the physical attributes of the child.

In this video we give advice on the correct installation of the CRS:

It is advisable to carry liquids in the vehicle, something to eat when making stops, and everything necessary in the event of an emergency or breakdown (safety vests, emergency triangles, etc.). A small first aid kit containing the essentials could be worth its weight in gold in cases of need.

If the child has special needs…

If you are traveling with children with special needs, the main thing is to consult their specialist with any concerns you might have. However, in these pages we provide you with advice that could prove very useful when preparing for a journey through specific articles or, in the case of this article, with general tips that will be useful for you, especially when traveling abroad.

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