Kids Carpooling Safety Tips
Kids are back to school and we are back to our daily routines. Once, the kids start school, parents can choose between school busing or driving their children to and back from school. For many parents, car-pooling to school is the perfect blend of financial and environmental responsibility.
Before you choose carpooling please take a moment to consider these carpooling safety tips. You will be toting around other people’s loved ones as well as your own, the importance of a trusted adult and a well-maintained, reliable vehicle is multiplied.
When it comes to kids carpooling, your number one concern must to be your children’s safety. If you choose to carpool kids, I would suggest to only choose parents you trust. Your kid’s life depends on those who will drive them. I often carpool with parents I know for a long time, and the ones who are volunteering at school. To be a volunteer at school you need to provide the school with an up to date police check, which is a security for your kids safety too. Never trust strangers and parents you only get to know them for a short period of time. Unfortunately, there are sick people around us and you definitely don’t want them around your kids.
When it comes to my kids I trust only those whom I know well. I know it feels strange to ask someone for a police check, but if schools allow their volunteers only after screening them, you should too. The truth is, I too struggle to personally ask for one, so I only allow my kids around people I know have an up to date police check at school. Take time to get to know those people well. Do they have a drinking habit? Are they ok with drinking and driving? Invite them in your home and connect with them. I always say it’s better to be safe then sorry.
Once you clear the background of those whom you’ll trust your kids, here are some things you should prepare your car for its carpooling duties:
- Check your fluids. Make a habit to check your fluid level once a month, especially the level and condition of your antifreeze/coolant. It’s not hard to ‘top off’; just use as recommended.
- Visit your trusted mechanic for a vehicle inspection. They can alert you to any potential problems, and fix those that are necessary.
- Get an oil change. With carpooling schedules, the miles on your car will likely increase. If you have an older car with many miles, consider the Farm High Mileage oil filter. It has a special time released gel additive that helps reduce engine wear by maintaining oil viscosity, neutralizing acids and keeping engine components cleaner.
- Be prepared. As the weather gets colder (and slowly does), make sure your vehicle is stocked with ice-fighting products like winter windshield washer fluid. Have a defrosting spray handy.
- Play it safe. Always have an emergency kit and cell phone in your car in case of emergencies. As the weather gets colder, have extra blankets and warm clothes on hand, along with bottled water and snacks.
Carpooling helps keep our environment in better shape, gives parents some free time and let kids connect better. You and your children can build long term friendships, just please be safe and do it right.
Do you carpool with other parents when it comes to school trips, sport activities? What kind of safety measures you take to make sure your kids are safe?
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