How can I prepare the car to provide a better trip for my children?
Do we all have to wear our seatbelts?
Should I use car seats?
Do I have to bring my car seat if I am planning on renting a car?
Can I leave my child in the car while I run into the store?
What should I consider before taking the scenic route?
How can I make our time together in the car more enjoyable for everyone?
What snacks should I bring for the road trip?
Where is a good place to take a break on a road trip?
How can I find information on road conditions, construction and rest areas?

How can I prepare the car to provide a better trip for my children?

• A clean car will make everyone more comfortable.

• Try to remove any odors that will bother noses. Be careful not to over scent to cover old odors, you may just pick new annoying ones. Check the back seat ashtray for ashes.

• Fill the car up before you pack everyone in. A gas stop will delay your trip and gas fumes can upset little noses.

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Do we all have to wear our seatbelts?

• Most states have passed mandatory seatbelt laws for the driver of the car.

• In many states, such as Florida, both passengers in the front seats are required to wear seatbelts, regardless of age.

• Not wearing a seatbelt could be a violation of your personal automobile insurance policy.

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Should I use car seats?

• Yes, use car seats and put your kids in the backseat.

• In Florida, as well as most U.S. States, children three and under must be secured in a child seat that meets Federal safety standards.

• Some states may require even older children to be placed in car seats, and you'll be held accountable to the laws of whichever state you are traveling.

• If you have an infant seat, be sure to see that it is balanced properly. Most have a level so they can be balanced to avoid choking.

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Do I have to bring my car seat if I am planning on renting a car?

• Many major rental car companies have child seats available for rent, check with your company about cost and availability.

• Many Rental Car companies do not carry booster seats. You may want to check and see if you need to bring your own.

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Can I leave my child in the car while I run into the store?

• State laws vary, but under Florida Law you may not leave a child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle if the vehicle is running or if the health of the child is in danger. Also, you may not leave a child under six years of age, unattended or unsupervised for a period of time in excess of 15 minutes. Since you must turn the car off and that will mean no air-conditioning, you may end up risking the health of your child in much sooner than 15 minutes.

• It is best to avoid leaving your child unattended or unsupervised in the car for any period of time.

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What should I consider before taking the scenic route?

• The adult's idea of scenic, might be the idea of boring for your children.

• The scenic route might not be the best route for the youngest travelers. They may be strapped in and too short to see much out the windows.

• The scenic route will usually have more curvy roads making carsickness more likely.

• This route is also usually the longest and may stress your child even more with the length of an already long trip.

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How can I make our time together in the car more enjoyable for everyone?

• Check out the route, know what roads you are planning on taking and find out if you need to avoid any road construction so you can avoid unnecessary delays.

• Find some areas to take breaks along the way so your trip is less tiresome.

• Play games in the car to help shorten the trip. Hunt for different license plate numbers, see who can add up license plate numbers of the cars that pass you the quickest. Kids get a head start since they are in the backseat. Play "I spy". See who can find the most out of state license plates. See who can find the most models of cars.

• Bring along games or toys to help shorten the ride. Avoid items with lots of small pieces.

• You might also consider small prizes or presents at regular intervals along the trip. New toys often receive the most interest and will help keep your child occupied.

• If your children are old enough, give them a map of their own. Have them keep track of your progress by making them the navigator.

• Schedule a quiet time for everyone in the car to enjoy. But, enforce the rules so adults are included and must also obey this rule.

• Buy some new interesting audio books for a story time while on the trip.

• If your music interests are vastly different than your children's, you might consider getting them a portable CD or tape player and bring lots of batteries. But, agree in advance about its usage times.

• Take advantage of this time together and talk to your kids.

• Wake up sleepers a few minutes before you arrive at stops. This will give them time to adjust and be ready to get out as soon as the car stops.

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What snacks should I bring for the road trip?

• Bring along plenty of water and munchies in the car. It will be much cheaper to buy these at the grocery store than pay the convenience store prices. It might also save you some extra stops.

• Sticking to water will be much easier on your body than drinking lots of cola. Remember to avoid large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can wear on your nerves. If the driver needs large amounts of caffeine to stay awake then it's time to pull over for the night.

• Have the adults keep control of the munchies so mealtimes aren't ruined.

• You don't want to get yourself sick with all the junk food along the roadside, so you might want to consider eating a healthy meal or at least bring some healthy snacks.

• If it has ever made them sick at home, there seems to be a guarantee that it will make them sick on the road.

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Where is a good place to take a break on a road trip?

• Now, after talking about eating healthy, remember that some of the fast-food restaurants now have play areas. McDonald's and Burger King both are offering free play areas at many of their restaurants. These can be a good place to stretch those legs and burn off some energy along the road. The adults can take their time eating without the little ones getting fidgety at the table.

• Be careful when using rest stops along the road. Pass them up if they aren't well lit or seem unsafe. Remember to lock your car doors when you go inside. Since many rest stops suffer from criminal activity, you should always accompany your children into the restroom at a rest stop.

• Well-lit, busy gas stations can provide a safe place to take a quick break.

• Truck stops are designed to provide a safe place to take a break. Just be warned that you can run into some inappropriate adult items in their gift shops.

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How can I find information on road conditions, construction and rest areas?

Go To:  Department of Transportation Links

Check out the roads before you go. This page contains links to the Departments of Transportation for all 50 States. Each state's site is different, but most sites contained detailed information on highway construction, road closings, rest areas and maps. Many of the sites also contain links to major cities within their own state.

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