If ferrying youngsters to various activities is part of your job description, ensuring their safety whilst you’re at the wheel should be your utmost priority. As September marks Safety Month, we’ve compiled some advice on keeping children secure and minimising the risk of accidents.

Ensuring Children’s Safety and Well-being

When transporting little ones, it’s crucial to employ all necessary safety measures appropriate for their age. Selecting the proper car seats is essential, and they must be correctly secured and positioned according to the child’s age and size. This typically entails rear-facing seats for infants and forward-facing convertible seats for older children.

Educate children about car safety by always fastening their seatbelts and leading by example. Youngsters under 12 should invariably occupy the back seats for their protection. Never make exceptions, even for short journeys, as even a minor collision could cause a child to lurch forward and be struck by the airbag.

Whilst children in your care may experience motion sickness regardless of their seating position, there are ways to prevent and manage the issue. If you’re aware they’re prone to queasiness, consult the parents about administering anti-motion sickness medication to alleviate symptoms. Should they fall ill en route, pull over, offer water, and allow a few hours for the nausea to subside.

Steering Clear of Distractions

As the motorist responsible for children’s care, it’s imperative to keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions at all costs. Distracted driving manifests in various forms, including:

Chatting on the mobile;
Reaching for items when you ought to have both hands on the steering wheel;
Averting your gaze from the road to fiddle with the radio or sat-nav.

To prevent confusion and distraction whilst driving, review the sat-nav directions before setting off and tune into a radio station the children enjoy, leaving it be. Utilise technology and hands-free devices to your advantage, and refrain from mobile phone conversations whenever possible when children are in the vehicle.

It’s also wise to establish rules for children’s behaviour in the car to prevent them from becoming a distraction. Teach them to avoid boisterous games or raising their hands, which could obstruct your view through the rear window. Consider providing colouring books or playing “I Spy” to keep them occupied.

Familiarising Yourself with Safety Features

Lastly, it’s crucial to be aware of your vehicle’s safety features and consider adding a few of your own. Many cars boast lane assistance technology that gently guides you back into position when you veer off course. If you’re unaware of this feature, it can be startling, potentially causing an accident, so it’s best to be informed.

You can enhance your vehicle’s safety with aftermarket features such as blind-spot monitoring and a reversing camera, enabling you to back out of driveways and parking spaces safely and efficiently. A wireless reversing camera can be swiftly installed on the car’s rear in mere minutes. Opt for a model with a crisp picture to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

As a childminder, it’s essential to be prepared for any mishap or injury, so consider bringing along your own emergency kit stocked with first aid supplies, snacks, water bottles, and jump leads.

Be responsible when you’re behind the wheel, and reach your destination safely and without worry.