by Janet Brooks
Child Advocacy Manager

With the worst of winter behind us (what winter in Utah?) and warmer days ahead, many of us look forward to the treasured season of vacations and travel. Spring and summer provide excellent opportunities for families to get out and enjoy the stunning world we live in.

Some families conclude that the best way for them to travel is to use recreational vehicles or RVs. While this form of travel sounds fun and convenient, it can also create great concern among Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Why? It all seems so simple to load up the ‘coach’ and go! However, the safety of the rear passengers (including children) is uncertain due to variations in meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety seat belt requirements and lack of required crash testing.

We all know the importance of placing younger children in a car seat and for everyone in the vehicle to buckle up! But during a collision in an RV, wooden benches and cabinets can break apart and equipment and storage materials can become projectiles causing injury to those riding in that area. And, child safety seats are NEVER to be used in rear-facing or side-facing bench seating in any RV.

So, before heading out with those you love, think about the safest way to travel and seek additional assistance from a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician by contacting Primary Children’s Hospital’s Car Seat Safety Team at (801) 662-6583 or visit www.primarychildrens.org.

I wonder “where in the world” I might see you this summer!

Janet has worked as the Child Advocacy Manager at Primary Children’s for 17 years. She manages the Hold On To Dear Life® educational and advocacy campaign. Janet is a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor and an instructor in transporting children with special health care needs. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, five children, three in-laws, and six beautiful grandchildren.