Summer is fast approaching, and the temperatures are heating up. Families spend more time in the car traveling on vacations and other fun summer activities. According to the United States Department of Transportation, around half of hot car deaths occur because a child was forgotten and left in the car by accident. Most of these deaths were children under the age of two years.

It is important to keep the following child car safety tips in mind when traveling with children:

1. Never leave a child alone in the car for any amount of time during any season, even if the air conditioning is on and the doors are locked.
2. Position your child’s car seat in the middle of the backseat for optimal visibility.
3. Make it a habit to always check the backseat for your child when exiting the car.
4. Leave a personal item in the backseat near your child, such as your purse or phone, so that you are more likely to look back when you exit your car.
5. Children under eight years or less than 57 inches tall must be in a car seat as per Massachusetts law.
6. If your car has the capacity, utilize the child lock feature for the windows and the doors.
7. Inform anyone whose car your child may be transported in (friends, babysitters) about your car safety rules.

We want everyone to have a wonderful and safe summer filled with lots of activities and fun! This summer and all year long, keep in mind these tips to keep your kids safe in the car. Happy travels!