Child safety in the car: Golden tips for arents (and all other responsible adults)

Child safety in the car: Golden tips for arents (and all other responsible adults)

From properly fastening seat belts to choosing appropriate toys and using technology for supervision, every detail contributes to safety. It is especially important to be informed about local laws and set a positive example of responsible behavior for the youngest passengers. With flexible vehicle options and additional equipment available at rentacars.me, every family trip can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

1.Child car seats: It's not a choice, it's a responsibility

The first and most important rule for safe driving with children is that children under 12 years old and 135 cm tall must always sit in the back with seatbelts, and younger children must use car seats, ensuring they are used correctly. If you're renting a car through our platform, rentacars.me, we offer additional equipment, including car seats. Without it, your drive becomes an adventure you don’t want.

2.Child in the front seat? Never!

We all love our children and often, in an attempt to please them, make decisions without thinking about the consequences. The sentence: "Let them sit on my lap, the drive is short!" may sound harmless, but in reality, it carries a huge risk. A child in the front seat might look cute for Instagram, but in the event of a crash, it can be a potential disaster. Keep in mind that the front seat is the most dangerous for children. In the case of an accident, an airbag can cause serious injuries or even fatal consequences. 75% of fatal accidents happen in the city, often on those "short" trips. So, the back seat is the golden standard for children under 12. No matter how careful you are, someone else might be behind the wheel who is drunk or distracted, causing them to lose control in an instant. Airbags are designed for adults, not kids. Therefore, children under 12 should always sit in the back.

3.Seatbelts are the law (literally)

Maybe you're one of those who believes seatbelts are for "weaklings," but when it comes to children's safety, there are no excuses. Explain to your children that the seatbelt is their "superhero" protecting them. And if they don't listen? Find a way to convince them, it's better to convince them for 10 minutes than to regret later. Be the first one to buckle up. Your example is the best education for the car seat!

4.Choose the right car seat

The safest option for a child is riding in a tested and certified car seat. Every seat should have a safety certification label (homologation document) according to the United Nations Economic Commission Regulation 44 (ECE R44). The packaging of the seat must indicate "ECE R 44.03" or "ECE R 44.04." A carrycot or a baby carrier is never a replacement for a car seat!

It’s important to note that parents must carefully choose the car seat based on the child's developmental stage. From birth to 12 years, the child’s body undergoes significant changes, which is why child safety systems need to be adapted to each developmental stage to ensure optimal protection during all phases of growth.

5.Proper car seat Installation

Pay attention not to install the car seat in a position with an activated airbag. Proper installation of the seat is key to maximum safety. Always check the installation instructions because the seat must be securely fastened! During the first months of a child’s life, until 15 months, the car seat should be positioned rear-facing. This position provides optimal protection for the head, neck, and spine, which are still developing at that age. After 15 months, the seat can be positioned forward-facing as it offers better support for the child’s back and internal organs.

6.How to properly strap your child into the car seat?

A car seat is not a decoration or a place to store toys. If the straps are not properly tightened or are too loose, the safety effect is null. Always check the instructions for installing the car seat, because the goal is not for the child to "look safe," but for them to BE safe.

If you're using a car seat without built-in straps, secure the child with the vehicle’s seatbelt. The seatbelt should go over the upper point of the seat's attachment, crossing the child’s shoulder without touching the neck or passing under the arms. The horizontal belt should be fastened over the pelvis, not the stomach, ensuring optimal comfort and safety. The belt should be tight enough, but not too tight, and it should never be twisted or folded. Never use the same seatbelt for multiple children, as it greatly increases the risk in the event of an accident.

7.No Playgrounds in the back seat

Toys in the car? Yes, but those that aren’t potential projectiles. In case of sudden braking, a 500-gram plastic dinosaur can become a small rocket. So, choose soft and light toys. Keep an eye on the children in the back seat. Don’t allow them to open windows or stretch their hands or heads outside, even when the car is stationary.

8.Check If the doors are locked

It’s important to keep an eye on the safety of children while they play in the back seat. To ensure their maximum protection, make sure the doors are locked and can only be opened from the outside. This will prevent any accidents and ensure a safe trip for the whole family.

9.Closed windows aren’t an option in summer

Sarcastically speaking, "fresh air is overrated." But seriously, leaving a child in the car with closed windows during the summer months is not only dangerous but also irresponsible. The temperature inside the car can rise by an incredible 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry and planning to leave the child "for just a minute," it’s better to reconsider and take the child with you.

1o.Technology Is your friend

Take advantage of modern technology. Use apps and devices that help you track the child during the drive. Technology can be your ally in safety. Why not use everything at your disposal?

11.Regular breaks for long drives

If you're planning a long trip, such as from Podgorica to Herceg Novi, keep in mind that children aren’t built for hours of driving. Every 1-2 hours, take a break. Stop, stretch your legs, let the children breathe fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of Montenegro’s nature. And yes, if you're driving a rental vehicle from the rentacars.me platform, you have the flexibility to choose the vehicle and additional equipment.

12.Know local traffic rules

If you're a tourist in Montenegro and renting a car, make sure to check the local child safety laws in vehicles. The rules can vary from country to country, and ignorance won’t excuse you from responsibility (or penalties).

13.Be the example for your children

Children learn by watching their parents. If you constantly forget to buckle up, you can’t expect your child to understand the importance of safety and security. Be a responsible role model and show them what responsible behavior looks like.

Driving with children is not just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about taking responsibility for their safety and comfort throughout the trip. So choose wisely, from trusted car seats to vehicles that meet your needs. If you’re looking for everything you need for a safe, practical, and worry-free ride, visit rentacars.me. There, you’ll find a vehicle that will fulfill all your requirements, whether it’s for a family adventure, a weekend trip, or everyday errands. Every carefully chosen detail makes the difference between a regular trip and a truly safe experience.