Imagine this. It’s late; you had about five hours of sleep last night, and you’re contemplating driving across town to get the extra bits and bobbles for the kids’ lunches. You know they could probably buy lunch tomorrow but decide that “it’s just around the corner. It’s only fifteen minutes away…”

Drowsiness is setting in, and then suddenly, the tragic and unexpected happens. What started out as an ordinary late-night grocery run turns into a sad news story and a parable about dangerous driving habits.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 100,000 crashes per year happen as a result of drowsy drivers. These accidents actually cause over $12.5 million in damages and over 71,000 injuries. The numbers are insane, and the tragedies are preventable. In fact, Dr. Matthew Walker, professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and lauded sleep expert, says, “The answer is obvious… we put ourselves in (that situation) when we neglect our sleep.” Funny enough, in a world that tells us that we must be uber-productive at all times, the news is refreshing – sleep is where the magic lies.  

Related: Car Naps: Why to Take Them, How to Do Them

What’s the Scoop?

In his conversation with Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, who heads up the Brain to Performance program, Dr. Walker shared some startling statistics derived from the testing program: Drivers who have less than 4 hours of sleep have an 11.5-times greater crash rate compared to those who get at least 7 hours of sleep during a 24-hour period. The study data also notes that the risk decreases with each hour of sleep that a driver gets. 

Once you dig into the data, you realize how slippery the slope is. The crash rate gradually increases. The subtle shift is almost imperceptible at first, gradually increasing from 1.3x to 1.9x when the sleeper’s rest decreases from 6-7 hours and 5-6 hours. As the sleeper goes from 5-6 hours to 4-5 hours, the rate nearly doubles to a 4.3x greater crash rate, and according to the AAA Foundation’s Traffic Safety study’s results, that rate exponentially triples at less than 4 hours of sleep. It is simple to see how the danger dramatically increases and how a preventable issue takes on a hazardous life of its own.

Discovered as a part of the research done to improve Nissan’s Formula E (Nismo | Formula E | Nissan) drivers’ cognitive focus, reaction times, and decision-making skills, Dr. Gheroghe realized that the information is applicable to everyday drivers as well.  “If I can find a method to make very good drivers a tiny bit better, then I’ve got a good chance to help average drivers become better, too,” said Gheorghe.

Related: Safety, Good Driving, Speed: Driving Tips My Mom Taught Me

From Formula E Racing to Everyday Drivers, Sleep Matters

When Nissan needed to create a Formula E team worthy of the NISMO badge and wearing the name, they went all in and created a whole program to support its development. Out of that programming came the Brain to Performance Program. The stellar vehicle wears the NISMO badge and is a history-making step for Nissan the brand. It became the first Japanese automaker to enter the all-electric series back in the mid-2010s.

Now, in its 10th season, the competition is intense along the Formula E circuit, and Nissan sought to find every edge and margin they could. Through Dr. Gheorge and Team’s research into what would improve their Formula E (Nismo | Formula E | Nissan) drivers performance, cognitive focus, reaction times, and decision-making skills, the results ended up being surprisingly simple. Rest, namely sleep, is a vital component.

Dr. Gheorge’s data found that rest, i.e., sleep, plays a huge role in the capacity of drivers to make good decisions and be safe out there on the road. As a result of further study, when he took a step away from the data, Dr. Gheorge realized that the information that he was gathering and synthesizing was applicable to everyday, non-professional drivers as well.  “If I can find a method to make very good drivers a tiny bit better, then I’ve got a good chance to help average drivers become better, too,” said Gheorghe. 

Related: 6 Safe Driving Tips to Model and Teach Your Teens

About Nissan’s Brain to Performance Program 

Originally designed as a driver training program to help improve the results of Nissan’s Formula E Team, the program created results that are applicable to every driver. The goal was to figure out how to help already talented drivers be better, more efficient drivers. A secondary goal was to determine how to train a brain to perform optimally and inform the design of the brand’s upcoming electric vehicles. 

Once the drivers’ brains were mapped and analyzed under various conditions, the results were remarkable and simple. They had a variety of applications that made good sense for professional drivers as well as moms dropping their kids off at the playground. At the core of the program, the Center found that Sleep played a huge role and that the more sleep you get, the better driver you will be. 

What’s the Best Advice?

You might think that’s all fine and good, but how can you, as a driver, get more sleep? What are some things that are helpful to remember and note on your journey to becoming a better, more well-rested human?

• Figure out your rhythm. Everybody has a natural flow and system that they enjoy working within. Rather than fighting it – work with your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Notice the sequence when you feel well-rested and comfortable. Use that information to maintain regular sleep and wake times.
• Embrace the dark. Reduce the stimuli in your space and limit your sensory intake. Bring down the lights about an hour before you intend to rest to signal to your body that it’s time to rest and that sleep is coming. 
• Minimize the caffeine. The drug is a common additive to drinks and snacks designed to keep you moving, functioning, and productive. It’s no wonder, as it keeps the body alert for at least 6 hours. Use caution, as while it will keep you awake, it also impacts the quality of your sleep. 
• Put away your phone. If you are anything like us, you might be firmly addicted to this portable distraction device. It keeps the mind running, and you ‘on’—grant yourself the gift of off time. 
• Cool your body down. Temperatures rise, and the type of fabric you choose to wear will impact your freedom of movement, ability to rest, and comfort levels. Loose, breathable materials like cotton, linen, Tencel, bamboo/viscose, and hemp will keep your body cool, allow air to pass through, prevent sweating, and support peaceful rest.

Related: The Nissan Ariya Might Seriously Be the Most Beautiful Nissan, Ever

For more information on Nissan’s research into brain performance, visit here.

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter! Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.

In the blink of an eye, a happy day on the road can turn into some of our roughest moments. It could be as simple as a flat tire or as serious as a crash (we hope not!), but dealing with those moments is hard enough without all the other motorists still zooming around you, going about their daily lives. Oftentimes, passing cars don’t even slow down when they pass an accident.

These challenges can leave us stranded on the side of the road for hours, every minute in danger of being hit by oncoming traffic.

Then think about this: More than 19,000 people are killed or injured in this very situation each year, which amounts to 1 person every 5 minutes. That means that as many as 8 people could be hit on the roadside while you’re changing your tire.

Scary.

So, what can we do about it?

Related: A Car Accident Can Change Your Life in a Flash

Emergency Safety Solutions is here to H.E.L.P

Born from Founder David Tucker’s personal near miss when an 18-wheeler almost took him out on the side of the highway in 2014, ESS is trying to make sure that roadside crashes become a thing of the past. Tucker assembled a skilled team of automotive and safety veterans and, through careful, deliberate, and factually-based study, they developed a ground-breaking solution called Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol, or H.E.L.P for short. H.E.L.P. utilizes two technologies to provide a multi-pronged approach to combat this prevalent issue.

Step 1: H.E.L.P. Lighting Alerts

Old-school hazard lights were invented over 70 years ago and have barely been improved upon since. Typical hazards flash once a second. In case of an accident or airbag deployment, H.E.L.P. improves upon this and flashes hazards up to 5 times a second in a scientifically-tuned hazard flash pattern. Seeing this in action on the floor at the Chicago Auto Show immediately grabs your attention and screams caution.

Step 2: H.E.L.P. Digital Alerts

Accident alerts on our vehicle navigation are typically submitted by other drivers reporting incidents on their Waze or Google Maps, for example. H.E.L.P. supercharges and automates this by sending an immediate alert to oncoming drivers through their in-vehicle displays and GPS navigation apps to give them advance warning that they’re approaching a disabled vehicle.

So, all of a sudden, you can be assured that your disabled vehicle is more visible to other motorists and that they’ve been warned about your peril already. Thinking about it, it’s kind of crazy this isn’t a thing already, isn’t it?

Related: The Future of Driving: 10 Technologies You Need in your Next Car 

H.E.L.P is on the Way to a Car Near You

ESS’s solution is actually already in action in over 1.5 million Teslas on the road in America, and they’re making plans to collaborate with Volkswagen, Stellantis, and multiple other automakers. They’re also working on aftermarket solutions to allow individuals to implement H.E.L.P. into their current vehicle. They’re planning for this to be both an accessory item available for purchase from your auto dealer and up for grabs at an auto supply store. So, Emergency Safety Solutions is addressing what needs to happen on the OEM side of things, but eliminating roadside crash incidents will require a collaborative effort.

In a passionate call-to-action at the Chicago Auto Show, ESS Chief Safety Advocate Andrew Coetzee gathered with A Girls Guide to Cars Founder Scotty Reiss, as well as Former Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, Kirk Steudle, and Wiley Deck, VP of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Plus. They took to the stage to share their personal stories and how we can work together to reduce the number of roadside crashes, hopefully to zero. You can watch the full livestream here.

Related: Tips and Tools for Teen Driver Safety

A Flat Tire Can be a Frightening Time

Scotty shared a recent moment when she received a call from her two daughters stranded at the side of the road with a flat tire. For most of us, this may not sound like a big concern, but since Scotty knew the statistics, she knew how dangerous this situation actually was. Scotty’s story highlighted the need for us, as drivers, to become educated about what to do in these situations, how to protect ourselves while we’re dealing with these challenges, how important it is to educate our children on how to keep themselves safe on the side of the road too. She also encouraged drivers to use all the tech available to them. There’s so much useful and advanced technology available to us in our vehicles that can make us safer, and it’s up to us to learn how to use it and get comfortable with it.

The Amount of Deaths from a Roadside Crash Equals a Plane Crash a Day

Kirk vociferously shared about how we all need to work together to make this situation safer. He really hammered home how easy it is to be detached from statistics and how personal this situation is. We, Americans in particular, are in our cars every day. Someone we love could be faced with being stranded at the side of the road, and I’m sure we would all like to ensure that that situation is as safe as possible for our beloveds. These deaths amount to “a plane crash a day,” Kirk said, “We would never tolerate that from planes.” He stated passionately. So why is this acceptable from our cars?

Edwin was Changing his Tire When his Life was Changed Instead

It made me think about my friend, Edwin, who was changing his tire on the side of the road when he was struck by a drunk driver. He lost his leg above the knee that day and almost his life. He had been waiting at the side of the road for roadside assistance for an hour before he decided to take matters into his own hands and change the tire himself. Since we now know the grim statistics that 12 people were hit in that same situation just during the time that Edwin was waiting at the side of the road, it’s even more gut-wrenching that he was one of those numbers.

Of course, drunk driving elevates this severity more than anything, and Edwin bravely shared this caution: “Don’t drink and drive. You could end someone’s life or significantly alter someone’s life. Including your own.” Nothing can change the danger of drunk driving, but perhaps H.E.L.P. Lightning Alerts might catch a distracted driver’s attention more. Perhaps the Digital Alerts popup might break through to them. They can certainly only help this dire situation. Soon, I will celebrate Edwin’s “Life Day” (aka the day he survived) with him, but many aren’t even so *lucky* to *walk* away with missing limbs.

Roadside Crashes are a Deadly Problem Hiding in Plain Sight

Roadside crashes have been becoming more and more prevalent, with the numbers increasing 23% over 11 years. Using H.E.L.P. has shown a 90% reduction in collision risk and an 80% reduction in hard braking near roadside incidents. So, combining the strategic technology of Emergency Safety Solutions, our own education, and the cooperation of road agencies, law enforcement, and emergency response could help make disabled vehicle crashes a thing of the past.

Learn more about ESS below: (Warning: This video shows footage from road accidents. Source: ESS)

https://vimeo.com/908863693/4138a720b0?share=copy

October 15-21 is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and it’s as good a time as any to remind yourself or your teenager of safe driving habits. It is important to practice safe driving habits, but it’s also important to know what to do in the event of an accident. Because let’s face it, many teens are going to have their first accident in the coming years, and they might not know what to do in the aftermath.

These driving tips and tools that monitor driving behavior are vital for ensuring teen driver safety and immediate access to emergency services.

Understanding the Risks with Teen Driver Safety

The dangers for young, new drivers on the road are staggering. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, teenage drivers were involved in accidents that killed 2,608 people in 2021. While many of us are already aware that car crashes are a leading cause of death among teens, the deeper data might surprise you.

For example, 51% of the teen drivers who died in 2021 were not wearing a seatbelt. I had no idea that so many teens don’t wear a seatbelt. Also, the likelihood of a teen engaging in risky driving behavior triples when there are multiple passengers in the car.

Sadly, it is less surprising that 19% of teen drivers involved in fatal car crashes had alcohol in their systems.

The statistics are deeply concerning. I myself was a terrified new driver because I felt like I was bound by the statistics to crash. But it is possible to make the road a safer place for teens. Learning the “Rules of the Road” and enforcing good driving habits are proven to decrease teens’ risk of a fatal crash.

The “Rules of the Road” include no speeding, cell phone use, drowsy driving, or drugs. And always buckle your seatbelt!

Aside from these blanket advisories, I also have two extremely important rules for myself:

• Stay in your comfort zone: Taking risks and pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations might be great for making new friends or achieving goals. But that behavior has no place on the road where you can easily harm yourself and others.
  • Always go the speed you are comfortable with to stay in control.
  • Take familiar routes. While it’s important to have experience driving in traffic and on the highway, sometimes there are safer and easier routes that only add a minute or two to your drive. In high school, I always avoided this terrible intersection near my house because I was nearly hit multiple times and saw other horrific accidents there. Not only was it safer, but it was often faster for me to cut through the CVS parking lot. It’s not silly if it makes you feel safer.
  • Staying in your comfort zone also means setting boundaries. If someone is extremely distracting or stressful to have in the car, stop letting them in your car. When I was learning to drive, I eventually set a boundary for driving with my mom. Yes, my own mother. Instead, I learned to drive with my dad and older brother. The same goes for friends. I know a lot of people who need to set boundaries with friends they’ve been carting around to school.
• Watch out for your friends. As a teenager, there are a lot of situations where you are not in control. Sometimes your only option is to ride with friends, and they aren’t always the best drivers. Even when you’re relaxing in the passenger seat with the company of a good friend, stay aware. Keep an eye on the cars in front of you, and check blindspots while they are switching lanes or turning. Backseat driving isn’t going to make your friend a better driver, but at least you can keep them from hitting someone.
  • Watching out for friends also means making sure they aren’t listening to music too loud, drinking and driving, hitting a weed pen in the middle of giving you a ride or getting in a car with other dangerous drivers. These things unfortunately happen all the time.

Now, I can say I’ve survived the sketchy years as a teen driver. I turn 20 next month, so now I can only blame my *fun* driving on being from Texas.

Jokes aside, a new Forbes analysis ranks Texas as the state with the worst, most dangerous licensed drivers. That would explain a lot of the terrifying close calls I’ve had with Texas drivers. You can also see where your state stands in terms of fatal crashes, intoxicated drivers, and distracted driving.

Related: Stunning Bridges, Artful Tunnels and Ferries: An Incredible Faroe Islands Road Trip

A gently used car for a young new driver can still come with the teen driver safety features you need. Photo: A Girls Guide to Cars

Driver Safety Apps – Not Just for Teens!

Lots of apps can monitor driver behavior using your location and speed. They also identify if you’ve been in an accident and can immediately call emergency services.

While tracking apps like this may sound like a parent’s dream and a teen’s nightmare, teens can actually benefit too.

In fact, I know a lot of teens who use these apps without their parents’ involvement. Teens use them to bring friends together and make sure everyone is safe. You can add friends in many of the apps, and set locations like your home, school, work, and your friends’ houses. That way, you can be notified when your friends leave the house, arrive at school, or arrive home safely.

Popular and trusted apps that provide these services include:

• Life360
• RoadReady
• SafeDrive
• AutoCoach
• TrueMotion Family

Related: 3 Teen Driver Apps We Love

Car Safety Features You Need

While I’ve gotten along pretty well with my 2012 Volkswagen Passat, which has zero technology or safety features, I always wish I had SOMETHING to help me stay safe and alert.

I started writing this article last week, feeling confident in my driving skills and ability to give advice to others because I had never been in a single car accident.

A few days later, a police vehicle hit my car while driving down a main road. He side-swiped me, then drove off (yes, that’s a crime). It was a minor accident, but now I really wish I had blind spot monitors to warn me that the vehicle was approaching my driver’s side. I could have potentially avoided the accident.

If you or your teen are in the market for a new car, look for these important safety features in a new car or think about adding them to an older car:

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Backup Camera
• Forward Collision Warning
• Collision Avoidance System
• Lane Keep Assist
• Dash Cam! These are so important for ALL drivers in the event of a crash or even theft.

Yes, I have survived without all of these features. But I am an extremely cautious driver, and most teens I know are not. Many of my friends also didn’t have newer cars with these features, but I know their driving history…many accidents, close calls, and distracted driving could have been prevented if they had these features. So if it’s in your budget, it’s worth it.

To learn more about these features, read “8 Car Safety Features to Protect Your Teen Driver.”

What to Do When You’ve Had a Car Accident

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, it can be hard to stay calm and remember what to do.

Be prepared for an accident by downloading your car insurance app and staying logged in, or have a copy of your insurance card in the glove box. If you have AAA, roadside assistance or another resource, be sure to have the phone number and your account number on hand.

If an accident happens, safely pull over to the side of the road, if possible, and avoid traffic. If the accident is severe, or if anyone is hurt, call 911 as soon as possible. Check for oncoming traffic before attempting to exit the vehicle. Assess the damage and take pictures. Note the time the accident occurred and anything else you can remember about how the accident happened.

Get the names, insurance information, license plate number, and other important information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident.

Call a parent or someone who can help to inform them of the accident, and let them know you’re safe. They will make sure you get home safely and can help you navigate the aftermath or file an insurance claim.

If the other driver does not pull over, you can call 911 or your local non-emergency number if you are safe and unharmed. You can also file a police report, which often can be done online.

But let’s hope that never happens. If you know the rules of the road, have safety apps to stay connected and your car is loaded with safety technology, National Teen Driver Safety Week will just be another event in your rear view mirror.

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

I have to share something devastating.

Just the other day I witnessed a car accident with multiple fatalities. It was horrific; it unfolded right in front of my eyes. I was driving home on a stretch of I-35 between Waco, TX and Austin. A Jeep two cars ahead of me stopped suddenly; the Acura in front of me barely avoided hitting the Jeep. I swerved onto the shoulder near the highway median to avoid hitting the Acura.

I took a moment to process, then saw the driver of the Jeep, a suburban dad, pull his kids out of the car. He quickly assisted them from the Jeep, put their hands over their eyes and sat them with their backs against the concrete highway barrier.

Just as quickly, two men hopped over the median from the other side of the highway to help the Jeep driver. I turned to look at the other side of the highway; traffic was at a standstill. Just to my left was a pickup truck accordioned into a mangled, crushed ball. It was almost unrecognizable. A tractor-trailer had pulled off along the side of the road. Traffic lined up behind the accident for miles.

Related: Do You Need to Replace Child Car Seats After an Accident?

Of Course, in a Car Accident Call 911 First

This had just unfolded, so I called 911. “Are you calling about a person hit on I-35?” the operator asked. “Yes,” I said, even though I still didn’t really understand all that had happened. “We are on the way,” she said. There were hundreds of cars stopped on both sides of the highway with a view of both accidents. I had to guess the emergency service line was flooded with calls.

As I called, I watched the children sitting along the barrier. I could see their shoulders shaking in shock and grief. Even inside the car I could hear them cry.

Still partially in the median, I got out of my car and approached one of the men. “Can I help?” I could see the arm of a man splayed on the pavement in front of the Jeep. The driver of the Jeep paced along the side of his car, shoulders hunched, on his phone.

“No,” the man said. “He’s dead.”

Related: Volvo’s Safe Driving Tips to Reduce Car Crash Deaths and Serious Injuries to Zero by 2020

As a Witness, Your Life is Changed, Too

I finally understood; a man had crossed the highway barrier and into the path of the Jeep. Traffic was traveling at 75 MPH; it was about 7PM, dry and sunny. I could see steam rising from the front of the Jeep from the impact.

“No, I mean, can I help the children,” I said. But there really wasn’t  much I could do, as much as I wanted to help. This was a job for people experienced in accident assistance and grief counseling. They would be there soon.

One of the older children had his arm around the shaking shoulders of a younger girl. Their crying grew into louder, wrenching shudders.

The sound still rings in my ears. That’s a sound you never want to hear from children.

A man lost his life. And surely, so did a second person on the other side of the highway – there is no way anyone could have survived the crushed pickup truck.

Related: Child Passenger Safety Week: It’s Not Just About Kids Car Seats

Trauma Changes Your Life

In a flash, this family’s life was whisked into an existence of trauma, nightmares and fear, their lives changed forever. None of us will ever be the same.

I drove the rest of the 100 miles home with my hands steady on the wheel, my eyes focused on the road and cars ahead of me. I passed several more accidents; in one instance, all the car’s airbags had deployed; the other caused such a backup that Google maps routed me around it.

There Are Just Too Many Car Accidents and Crashes

Seeking an explanation of what had happened, I searched police and news reports, but found little. A man had tried to cross the highway and was struck and killed. It was a single sentence among hundreds of reports of fatal accidents in Texas over the prior few months. Too many to sort, too many to detail, too few media to ask questions and tell the story.

Of course, the car accident I witnessed was not the driver’s fault, nor the fault of any of the drivers on the highway that evening; it was a freak thing. But it still grounds your view, dampens your joy, changes your life. You find yourself crying for no reason.

Be Kind; Be Human

Though the weekend, I’ve watched families as they walk through the grocery store, mothers, pulling their children back from the intersection of the aisles to make sure they don’t get hit by an oncoming cart.

I’ve watch fathers push their babies in strollers through stores. Parents walking their toddlers through the children’s garden at a local coffee shop. The sound of children laughing and giggling on the playground makes me smile. So do families singing along to their favorite songs in their car.

I’ve tried to fill in the holes in my soul with these views. To appreciate these families just living their lives, happily.

Life is Precious. Cherish It

As I see these families, I take a breath. Life is so precious and so tenuous. And every time we put ourselves in a hulking mass of steel and electronics and hurtle it down the road, life becomes even more tenuous and more precious. It’s not just our lives but those of all of those around us that could potentially change in a flash.

So please take a breath. Think about those around you – those you love and those you don’t know. Slow down, be kind, and be safe. 

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

The never ending questions is: Do we bring our kids car seats or rent them when we travel? And it may not be that easy; you should have kids car seats in an Uber or may need them if a friend or family member offers to do the driving on your travels.

Installing, uninstalling and hauling car seats through airports, train stations and more is a pain. But, it’s better than the alternative: Staying home. 

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to travel with kids car seats. If you have the right kind of car seat that travels well, that is. Here are some of our favorites for older kids (here are our tips for traveling with infants in car seats) and why we like them for travel.

Related: Keeping Kids Happy In Car Seats: All Our Secrets

All-in-One Car Seats

These are an excellent choice that offer an exceptional value and good versatility because they are designed to grow with your children from infancy to around age 10. We looked at car seats that are easy to install, Two popular options that we really like are the Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One and the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat.

Chicco NextFit Max

This convertible car seat accommodates infants to pre-teens, rear facing and forward facing up to 65 lbs. And it’s intended for travel: It’s not as wide as some car seats so it’s possible to fit 3 across a bench seat, it’s designed for easy installation and weighs in at 26.5 lbs. 

The NextFit Max also, due to its shape, offers more leg room for kids positioned rear-facing, and it’s manufactured with materials known for low emissions and no unnecessary chemicals. 

Find the Chicco NextFit Max here for $268.

Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One

The Britax One4Life ClickTight stands out for its easy installation process. Buckle it in using the car’s seat belt and in just three simple steps it’s installed securely. That’s because the seating surface opens to allow the car’s seat belt to thread between the base of the seat and the seat surface; close the seat and it secures the seatbelt tightly with a ‘click’ that lets you know the fit is tight.

However, it’s worth noting that the Britax One4Life ClickTight is relatively heavy, weighing 30 lbs., which may be a consideration for parents traveling solo or those who like to travel light.

Find the Britax ClickTight car seat here for $400.

Related: Why We Are Just Bonkers for Britax

Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat is a fantastic choice that offers a range of impressive features. Installing this car seat is a breeze, thanks to its integrated belt lock off, which simplifies seat belt installation. As your child grows, the Graco 4Ever DLX transforms from a rear-facing seat to a backless booster.

With a large weight range from 4 to 120 pounds, this car seat provides long-term usability. It has specific weight limits for each mode, including rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster to ensure a secure fit for your child at each growth stage.

The Graco 4Ever DLX weighs 23 lbs., making it relatively lightweight compared to other All-in-Ones. 

Find the Graco 4Ever DLX here for $330.

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat – in Marshmallow

This is one chic kids car seat, and while it does come in a variety of colors, it looks spectacular in white. We love two things about this and one thing not so much: Clek seats are narrow so they are a good option for 3-across, and they have rigid latch clips, so you can simply slide and click to the car’s LATCH anchors (in theory, anyway), making for a super speedy installation. 

The one thing we don’t like? The steep price tag; at $580 this is luxury kids car seat, but it will look right at home in a Range Rover or Mercedes-Benz SUV. 

Get the Clek Foonf here for $580

Related: No Minivan Shame: 6 Reasons A Minivan is the Best Thing Ever

Booster Seats Ideal for Older Children

Your kid gets to the booster seat stage and you feel like you can see light on the horizon – sort of. Kids still need head protection, a well-positioned seat belt and a little more heft all around. We like seats that have adjustable head rests and a 5-point harness for extra safety, and we like that these are lighter. Keep in mind that most booster seats need to use the car’s seatbelt because they are too heavy for LATCH systems (the limit is 65 lbs total, kid + seat).

Here are four we really like, and why.

Britax Highpoint Backless Belt Positioning Booster

We love how lightweight this seat is – 12 lbs.! – yet it still provides head rest protection and a multi-point harness, so kids are snug when strapped in. And, it has side impact protection with the back attached, which is something most people give up when they move their kids into a booster.

The Highpoint comes in 5 color combos and the seat’s covers can be removed and tossed in the washing machine. This booster accommodates kids from 40-120 lbs., can be used with our without the back and it’s slim: 3 can fit across the bench seat in most cars. 

Buy the Britax Highpoint booster for $159

Graco TurboBooster Highback Booster

This one really hugs your kiddo, but it still feels more grownup than a kids car seat; and it has a LATCH system for parents who love this for the secure installation and for kids who haven’t yet hit the weight limit for LATCH installation. This seat converts to backless, has a built-in cup holder and storage drawer that pulls out from the seat.

This Graco seat is for kids between 40 and 100 lbs., and secures with a 3 point harness. Weighing in at just 10.5 lbs., its slender and can fit 3 across in most cars. 

Get the Graco TurboBooster Highback for $67

Chicco KidFit ClearTex Highback Booster

We love Chicco’s use of “Clear Tex” fabrics which are made without added and unnecessary chemicals. Add to that a removable seat back, or keep it because it reclines, which your kiddo may like. This seat is designed for kids who weigh 40-100 lbs., and the seat itself weighs just 10 lbs.

This seat comes in 9 colors, has a washable cover, LATCH connectors for a quick install, and cup holders that fold out of the way so you can fit 3 across a bench seat. 

Buy the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Booster for $100

KidsEmbrace 2-in-one Booster Seat 

If there’s anything that will get your kid to say yes to staying in a car seat, it has to be  assuming the position of her favorite Marvel super hero or Disney princess. That’s what this seat is all about (oh, and also, safety).

This comes dressed as 18 different characters and can be LATCH installed for smaller kids (22-65 lbs.) or seatbelt installed for larger kids (40 to 100 lbs.). It has a 5 point harness and a height-adjustable headrest, weighs 15 lbs. and has more than 21,000 reviews on Amazon averaging 4.8 stars (versus the typical 2,000-4,000). That’s a lot of happy kids (and parents). 

No Matter Which You Choose, Be Sure Safety Is First

All-in-one car seats and boosters are designed to grow with your kid, so it’s important to be sure that the installation method, head rests and positioning are right for your child’s height and weight. Be sure you’re familiar with the right fit for your child before uninstalling your child’s car seat from your car.

It’s also a good idea to study, or even take photos, of the installation in your car so you can be sure to get it right in a rental car. Which of course you’ll need to do late at night when everyone is tired and cranky, and if you’re lucky, it’ll be cold and raining. Just kidding about that last part. 

What We Don’t Recommend: Renting Car Seats, or Car Seat/Stroller Convertibles

These two options for travel sound so good. Except, they generally are not. Rental car seats are the luck of the draw; they may not fit your kid right, they may not be well cleaned and they may have been returned to the rental fleet even after being involved in an accident– which is a no-no. 

Convertible stroller/car seats also sound like a good option for traveling with kids; fold the wheels down and the handle out for maneuvering through an airport and then pop them back in to install the seat in the car. But in practice we don’t like this as much; first, neither the car seat nor the stroller looks very comfortable. The child rides low to the ground and the handles are not very high or wide. And child passenger car seats are designed with specific safety parameters in place that may be compromised when doubling as a stroller. Frankly, there are not many of these on the market, which is also a good sign they are probably not best for your child’s safety. 

But the good news is, there are lots of great options for families who like to travel with their kids, so go ahead, book that trip and take the kids and the car seats with you! 

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children.This is why Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week (September 17-23) is necessary. It is an annual observation to raise awareness of the importance of car safety and kids car seats. This is the perfect time to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of their children by making sure they are properly secured in the correct car safety seat for their age, height, and weight. Most injuries and deaths can be prevented through the proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts. Below are ways you can ensure your child’s safety when on the road.

Related: “Safe Enough” is Not Enough When It Comes to Infant and Child Passenger Safety

Keep Them Safe and Secure in the Right Car Seat

We’ve all probably heard our elders say they never used seat belts or car seats back in their day and nothing ever happened. But why take the risk? Proper safety restraints can drastically reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death during a traffic accident. In fact, when in a car accident, a car seat can reduce infant fatality risk by 71%. Make sure your children are in car safety seats – a booster or infant seat that is appropriate for their height and weight.

For kids older than 12, make sure they are always wearing their seatbelts. While it feels like the coming of age to sit up front like an adult, the backseat is safest for children 12 and under. Why? Airbags. Airbags can save the lives of older children and adults, but they can be fatal for younger children when seated in the front seat. Also, you must never place a rear-facing car seat in a front seat near an airbag. It can be fatal.

Related: The Ultimate Car Seat Challenge: 3-Row SUVs

Have Your Child’s Car Seat Checked by a Professional

National Seat Check Saturday, which takes place the Saturday during Child Passenger Safety Awareness week ( for 2022 it’s Saturday Sept 24) , is the best time to get your child’s car seat checked by a professional. On this day, parents and caregivers can get one-on-one personalized instruction on how to properly use their child’s car seat from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Don’t fret if you don’t have time on this day to have your child’s car seat checked. CPSTs are available year-round who can check to make sure your child’s car seats are installed correctly, and provide one-on-one education on how to use and install a car seat on your own.

Below are where you can find nationally certified child passenger safety technicians near you.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – there is a directory of car seat inspection stations. 
• Safe Kids Coalition Safety Event – Safe Kids coalitions host more than 8,000 free car seat inspection events across the country where their trained technicians will teach you everything you need to know to make sure your car seat is installed and used correctly. 
• National CPS Certification Program – you can locate child passenger safety technicians in your area through their online form. 

Check For Expiration Dates and Recalls

Did you know that car seats expire? Car safety seats typically last anywhere from six to 10 years. Make sure you check the expiration date set by the manufacturer of the seat being used. This is especially important when using a seat second-hand.

Speaking of second-hand car seats. You want to avoid using a seat that was installed in a vehicle that was in an accident. Since there’s no real way of knowing this, try avoiding using thrifted child safety seats. There are affordable child safety seat options and trade-in programs to ensure you’re getting the safest car seat for your child.

Recalls are just as important when it comes to child passenger safety. Be sure to register your car seat so that you are alerted should a recall occur. Also, keep up with recalls for your vehicle as well.

Related: Do You Need to Replace Child Car Seats After an Accident?

Protecting Children from Non-Crash-Related Injuries is Important Too

Non-crash-related injuries, such as heat stroke, seatbelt entanglement, power window incidents and more can also occur with child passengers. 

Here are tips to help keep them protected.

• Look before you lock – Set a reminder to check your backseat when you exit it to prevent heat-related deaths. 
• Safeguard keys – Keep your keys in a safe place where children can’t access them to prevent unattended access to your vehicle
• Driveway play is not okay – teach your kids not to play around cars or on the driveway. Keeping toys away from the driveway can help. Move play time to the yard to keep it safe.
• Lock power windows – teach kids to not play with their windows and keep them locked to avoid injuries to fingers and limbs.
• Never leave kids alone in the car! All non-crash injuries can be avoided if children are monitored in or near a vehicle. 

Child passenger safety is not just about car seats. It goes beyond that. Teaching vehicle safety will go many miles to help keep children safe. Vehicle accidents and injuries can happen in a minute seriously injuring or killing your child. Take advantage of the resources available to keep children safe in your car and on the road.

More Child Passenger Safety resources below:

• Find the Right Seat
• Safety Ratings for vehicles, car seats, and tires 
• Child Safety

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

Confucius said, “A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble at his door.” We say smart women know planning is important, so we get it done. Consider this your nudge to make a car emergency kit or check the one you already have.

No matter how much you love your car, being stranded due to an emergency probably is not your idea of a good time. If you don’t have an emergency kit in your car, now is the time to add this to your to-do list. Whether you’re preparing for a big road trip or you’re getting your car ready for the winter season, being ready for the unexpected will help you navigate tough terrain when life throws you a curve ball. Here are the basics you need in your car emergency kit.

Related: 100 Things You Should Always Keep in Your Car

This story contains affiliate links; A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from sales generated by links in this story. So, shop away!

Premade Car Emergency Kits

If you don’t want to assemble a car emergency kit from scratch, here are several options for premade kits. These have most of the items you might need, although you might want to augment it with items such as a phone charger and food and water.

These emergency kits run between $30 and $100, depending on their contents. Please don’t purchase an emergency kit without knowing what’s inside. In other words, don’t just buy one on Amazon, toss it into your trunk and call it good.

• COOGEO Roadside Emergency Kit – $26.99
• HLWDFLZ Car Emergency Kit –$26.99. Note: Many of the items in this particular kit are hot pink, so if you appreciate a splash of color, this one might be fun to look at.
• First Secure Roadside Kit – $87.99
• ELECTOP Car Emergency Roadside Kit – $39.98

Building Your Car Emergency Kit From Scratch? Here’s What You Need

If you don’t want to buy a premade car emergency kit, consider what you need to have in your home made kit.

Cell Phone Charger

Being out of juice is never a good idea, so confirm that you have an extra power supply and a charging cable to get you through any unforeseen situation. Try not to leave your house with a nearly dead phone, especially if you know you’ll be driving for a while.

First Aid Kit

These come premade or you can build your own. A first aid kit should include the basics to address minor medical issues until you can get more extensive help if needed and a few over-the-counter medications if you or your passengers become ill on the road.

Basics include instant/chemical cold and hot packs, disposable gloves, scissors, tweezers, cotton balls and Q-tips, sterile eyewash, hand sanitizer, adhesive bandages and anti-bacterial cream. Also consider aspirin and non-aspirin pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, cold medication, Calamine lotion or another remedy to treat insect bites or rashes, allergy medication, and sunscreen.

Also, add any medication you can’t be without for an extended period, such as an EpiPen for anyone with severe allergies. 

Here’s a selection of small premade first aid kits that are perfect to keep in your car:

• YITEREBO Small Waterproof Car First Aid Kit – $18.99
• Mini First Aid Kit With Water Resistant Hard Shell Case – $15.99
• Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit – $16.61

If you use something from your car’s first aid kit, make sure you replace it once your emergency has been resolved.

Blanket or Warm Clothing

You’ll want to make sure you’ll be able to keep warm if you’re stranded without the ability to use your car’s heater. If you live in a cold, snowy climate, you’ll want to have heavier blankets and warm coats during winter, but even if you live in a milder climate, you should have something.

If you don’t bundle up for shorter trips in the cold or have a teenager allergic to outerwear, make a habit of enforcing the “Take a coat” rule. Throw in a beanie and warm gloves, too.

Related: A Fashion Emergency Kit For Your Car

Drinking Water and Snacks for Everyone In The Car

You’ll want to ensure you have food and water to get you through any waiting period between whatever emergency you encounter and receiving help. Stock on the side of caution and have enough emergency supplies for everyone in the car, so if you have a family of four but take most of your car trips by yourself, make sure you have enough rations for all four of you.

This doesn’t have to be fancy. Think about what snacks will get you through a three-hour wait for a tow truck when it’s snowing. Protein bars, nuts, jerky, and prepackaged cookies and crackers work great. If you usually travel with pets, include some emergency pet food and include your pet in your water rations.

Related: Travel-Friendly Snacks the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Kid-Specific Items

If you have little ones, make sure you have extra diapers and wipes. Most parents don’t leave the house without a stocked diaper bag, but Murphy’s Law says whatever car emergency you have will be after you use your last diaper. Keep a few spares in your car’s emergency kit – check them periodically to ensure they’re the right size.

Related: Car Seats and Winter Coats Don’t Mix

Fire Extinguisher

An engine bursting into flames is a car scenario no one likes to think about, so add one of these small-size fire extinguishers in your Amazon cart, put it in your car, and don’t think about it again unless you need it.

Make sure you are checking your fire extinguisher at the recommended interval.

Flashlight with Extra, Fresh Batteries

Yes, we’re all pretty used to using the flashlight app on our phones, but if you’re truly stranded, you will want to conserve your cell phone battery as much as possible.

Grab this handy four-pack of mini flashlights for your household’s cars. Throw a spare in your purse or backpack. Make sure you check batteries periodically to ensure they still work.

Jumper Cables or Better, a Battery Pack

Your car’s battery can die for a number of reasons: It needs to be replaced or someone leaves on an interior light or a door slightly open. If you can give the battery a charge, you can quickly be on your way, which is a reason to carry jumper cables. Or better, carry a battery pack; while jumper cables require another car to supply the power, a battery pack provides the power for you, as well as USB ports for charging other things. Either way, you can usually be on your way pretty quickly. These are also great to have in case you find yourself in the position to help someone else out.

Traction Aid

If you regularly travel to someplace snowy or sandy, or live somewhere where Mud Season is a regular thing, having traction aids in your trunk can be a day-saver. The old stand-by is sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter to neutralize slippery surfaces, though they can melt or be quickly absorbed by wet surfaces. A more reliable solution are traction mats; place them under  under your tires in the direction you need to go. And keep footwear in mind when weather and road conditions are messy; if you’re stranded and need to get out of your car, slipping and falling on ice will only worsen your situation.

Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

Even those (like me) who live in warm climates will encounter the occasional frosty window. An ice scraper – a proper ice scraper and not your driver’s license – and a snow brush will help you clean your windows quickly and easily. Or, grab this scraper/brush combo.

Emergency Triangle Set

Get a set of three emergency triangles – included in many premade car emergency kits – and use them to alert other motorists to your disabled vehicle, if necessary. Only pull off to the side of the road in a true emergency. If you can safely reach a parking lot or escape a busy highway, do that.

Reflective Safety Vest

Pulling off on a busy highway or in an area where other drivers can’t see you is dangerous; it’s usually advisable to stay in your car with the emergency flashers on until help arrives if you can’t be outside it safely.

And if you have to pull off the road, find a place with good lighting, near businesses and other people; you’ll be safer. A woman alone with a broken-down car is a magnet for predators.

However, if you have to be outside your vehicle when it’s dark or in bad weather, wear a reflective vest to increase your visibility so others can see you. And, although no one would call a reflective vest a must-have fashion accessory, this one we found on Amazon does come in a nice, bright pink. It comes in several other color choices, too. 

Make sure you purchase your vest large enough to fit over your outerwear.

Rotating Your Stock and Checking Your Emergency Supplies

Do a periodic check of your car emergency supplies and make sure everything is in good working order. You obviously can’t leave a cell phone charging block or conventional batteries in your car for an extended period and expect them to work when needed, so make sure you’re rotating or checking these items regularly.

Other Safety and Preparedness Tips

If you don’t know basic car care skills, such as how to use jumper cables or change a flat tire, put these things on your list of things to learn. Or, when the emergency is bigger than your kit can handle, keep your roadside assistance plan information on your phone, in your glove box and in your handbag. 

Know how to use your car’s connected services; most new cars have an app and an on-board call button that allow you to talk to a human if you run into trouble. OnStar, BlueLink and others offer extended services by subscription, complimentary basic services for a few years and emergency services for free.

Always make sure someone knows your plans. This can be as simple as sending the friend you’re meeting a text when you leave the house, to investing in location tracking apps, such as Life 360, that allow you to see the physical location and other details about those you assign to your circle. 

And then, head out on the road and enjoy the ride!

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

Homework, after school practices, and carpooling kids…oh my! When you are in the thick of the school season, you can feel like you are an Uber for kids on a daily basis. Banding together with other parents at the same school or whose kids are on the same team and who live in your neighborhood can be a Godsend. However, there are some rules you need to follow. Please.

Related: Our picks for the best 7 seater SUVs for back to school carpools

7 Commandments of Carpooling Kids

 1. Thou shall have a clean car.

I get it. Kids eat in the car and leave chicken nuggets and juice boxes and random pieces of candy they pick up from God knows where. But you need to clean it up, friend! Brush off those crumbs. Clear out the trash. Maybe even spray some Febreeze. It’s actually a good idea to think of yourself as an Uber for kids and think about how many stars your car would get.

2. Thou shall be on time.

Things happen all the time. Especially during this initial back to school push, it can be tough to time hitting the carpool line at the perfect time. That said, do your absolute best to not be late. You can send your own kids in tardy if you want, but please don’t send in other people’s kids late.

Check out our tips for cleaning out your car even when you have a bunch of kids.

3. Thou shall stay in the car in the carpool line.

You have to stay in the car, friend. You cannot…I repeat…cannot walk anyone into the school unless you have parked. Don’t be that parent. No Ki Ki challenges. Never, ever.

4. Thou shall listen to appropriate music.

Save Drake and Meek Mill’s explicit lyrics for after you kick the kids all out of the car. Opt for the clean radio station, go the Kidz Bop route or even stick with news or sports. Though some news stations may be inappropriate and/or explicit too. Sadly. Related: You’ll be the cool mom with these back to school snacks

5. Thou shall be handsfree.

Make sure you are setting the right example for your own kids, and especially for other people’s kids. Do not text and drive. Or Facebook and drive. Or flip through Spotify and drive. When you’re carpooling kids, let go of the touch screens. If you can’t do it with a voice command, you don’t need to do it. Kids before vids, you know?

6. Thou shall enforce kindness.

When you agree to a carpooling kids arrangement, you are more than a driver. You are a caregiver who is also driving kids around. The kids in your car might not be BFFs or even know each other very well, but they do have to be kind to each other. Kids do need to be polite to you and each other. You may feel like your driving an Uber for kids but these little rascals aren’t paying you. You don’t work for them. Make sure they know in your car we are kind to each other.

7. Thou shall avoid flaking out.

Plan ahead, folks. Do not send a flippant text 10 minutes before you are supposed to arrive saying that you aren’t driving today because of an early budget meeting at work. It is inconvenient and rude and can cause a huge problem for the family you are carpooling with. Try to avoid last-minute changes if at all possible. And now that everyone knows– and is living by– the rules, you’ll have time for your own back to school list of commandments, which of course should start with some well-deserved me-time!

Temperatures are rising and people all over the country are thinking – or hoping – they’ve seen the last of the cold weather for a while. Since I’m in Texas “that time of year” is about 10 months out of 12, but I can appreciate that the rest of the world experiences that little thing we call four seasons. 

Hot Car Deaths – What You Need to Know When Temps Rise

As the mercury on the thermometer rises, we need to consider the safety of our children and pets that ride in our cars with us. Leaving a child or pet in a car unattended has a plethora of “this could end badly” scenarios. Before we head out we need to consider hot car deaths and what we can do to prevent them.

Heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash related vehicle deaths in children under 15 and it is entirely preventable. Read on to understand why leaving a child unattended in a car is dangerous. Learn how you can help yourself remember not to do it. 

Related: A Complete Guide to Road Tripping With Pets

If you leave your child in a hot car, are you a bad parent?

Not necessarily. Something like a change of routine or being preoccupied can cause you to leave your vehicle and forget your child in the backseat. I know. Some of us probably have the “I would never” reaction but an average of 39 kids in the U.S. die of heatstroke due to being left in a car each year. 

According to the United States Department of Transportation, most hot car deaths occur when a parent thinks they dropped their child off at daycare or school. If you’re a parent you know what it’s like to be preoccupied with the other 99 things on your to-do list. The most common time for death in hot cars is the end of the work week – Thursday and Friday – when people have a lot going on or a lot of things on their plate. 

 Yes, some carelessness is involved in these deaths. Yes, you can argue that 39 is a small number in comparison to the number of kids who ride around in cars every day. But, when these deaths are so easily preventable, I think we can all agree that 39 is too many.

And, you should never, ever, intentionally leave a child unattended in the car, in any temperature. Even if you’re just running into a convenience store for five minutes. Even if you have your car in sight the entire time? Still no. There are so many things that could go wrong in this situation. Don’t chance it. 

Know the Law

Many states have laws in place about leaving a child unattended in a car. Know what you can and can’t do in your state. While there are states that don’t consider leaving a child unattended in a car to be illegal or punishable, this does not mean that it is OK or safe to leave a child alone in a car in those states. 

This link gives a rundown on how each state views leaving a child or incapacitated person in the car and also gives information on Good Samaritan Laws and child seat laws from state to state. It’s a great resource, especially for families who are traveling.

Related: Which 2 Row SUVs Are Best For Child Car Seats? The Ultimate Car Seat Challenge

Hot car deaths – How the science works

Have you ever got into your car on a hot summer day and had to let the AC run for a bit before you could comfortably touch the steering wheel? That’s how hot the inside of your car can get. It’s literally an oven. Being in a car as this temperature for even a few minutes can cause heatstroke; this is what happens when your body can’t cool itself.

A child’s body heats up faster than an adult’s body does, which is one of the reasons why this is so dangerous for kids who are left in a hot car even for just a short time.

In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up over 20 degrees. When the outside temperature is 80-100 degrees, the temperature inside the car can be has high as 170 if the car is parked in direct sunlight. Cracking a window does little to keep the car cool once it has been turned off. 

Even that “I’ll just run in and grab ___” is dangerous. Organs begin to shut down when body temperature reaches 104 and death can occur if body temperature reaches 107. 

 Related: SUVs vs. Minivans – What is right for YOU?

How can we prevent hot car deaths?

Place a personal item in the rear seat. You’re less likely to get out of your car and go into your workplace or your house without your purse. Or, your briefcase or backpack. Get into the habit of putting those items in the rear seat. 

Set a reminder on your phone. You can also ask your child’s caregiver or school to call you if your child doesn’t show up as expected. Most daycare centers and schools have an attendance process in place but if you use a home daycare provider, your chances of getting that call earlier than later are better. 

Get into the habit of doing a walk-around or visual check of your vehicle.  It takes roughly 13 times to make something a habit. Focus on consciously making this check a few times and it will soon become muscle memory.

Place a stuffed animal – or other visual reminder – to remind you to check the back seat.

Relate: What can you do to stop hot car deaths?

Technology that can help prevent hot car deaths

There’s a lot of available technology that has been designed to help parents remember that their child is in the backseat. However, as tech forward as I (think I) am, this is one instance where you can’t rely on technology. These systems should be a backup. Placing your purse in the rear seat or doing a walk around each time you get out of the car will be more effective.

There are multiple apps designed to alert parents that they’ve left their children unattended in the car. Waze has a child reminder feature. There’s also Kars 4Kids and the Backseat App.

If you’re buying a new car seat, look for one that has a rear seat reminder feature. Cybex is a good one to check out. The car seat’s clip is connected to an app. The app will alert you if you’ve left your car with your child still in the back seat.

Several automakers have jumped on board to create technology o prevent children being left unattended in cars. GMC was the first to adapt it and quickly GM added the technology to all Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac models, too.  Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Nissan have added rear seat alert technology to most or all of their models.

I have no doubt that technology to help parents keep their kids safe will evolve. BUT. Don’t rely on technology or let complacence that “the app will let me know” keep you from being alert.

Other ways to prevent hot car deaths

• Store car keys out of reach of children at all times.
• Always lock your car when not in use.
• Teach your kids that a car is not a place to play. 
• Be a good bystander. If you see a child left in the car unattended, call 9-11. Get the child out, if you can. Don’t waste time looking for the parents or think about “Well, what if I’m going to get someone in trouble?”
• Don’t forget pets. Pet hot car deaths are not included in the stats and the laws on leaving pets unattended in the car vary from location to location but leaving a pet – especially a small one – in a hot car is just as dangerous as leaving your child.

For more info on hot car deaths, check out the Department of Transportation’s guidelines here.

I still remember my first “Wave” from another Jeep, it was a pretty exciting experience. The “Jeep Wave” has been a known symbol for Jeep owners, a signal that goes back to early military days when drivers would wave to one another signaling themselves as an ally. Once you own a Wrangler, you learn the wave quickly. Now, when I’m on the road and get a wave, I know I am part of a great community.

It’s just one of the benefits to owning a Jeep, and from there it goes on: camaraderie and friendships developed at events, great customer service at the dealerships, confidence in a car that you know can get you into and out of the mud with ease.

It is in this spirit that Jeep has created the Jeep Wave Membership which is a Jeep loyalty program for most of the Jeep brand models. The Jeep Wave Membership benefits are unlike any they have offered before and as a Jeep owner, I am looking forward to my next Jeep and utilizing the Jeep Wave Membership.

Related: 30 Minute Test Drive: Driving the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Through Topanga’s Twisties

I Ordered A New Jeep Wrangler – And I Can’t Wait for Official Wave Membership!

It was pretty exciting to get an email from Jeep explaining the Jeep Wave membership benefits. I ordered a new 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4-door, which was already exciting, but when I received the email with my vin number and benefits outlined, it was even more exciting. I can’t wait for my new Jeep to arrive, especially now that I know I will be well taken care of through the Jeep Wave membership benefits. The email was even signed “The Jeep Wave Team.”

Related: Is This the Ultimate Jeep? Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Adds HEMI Muscle to This Off Road Master

Jeep Wave Membership Program

The Jeep Wave membership is a premium owner loyalty program that offers best-in-class coverage  (for non-luxury brands) and is filled with exciting benefits and perks. Jeep Wave was created to bring Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The Jeep Wave membership is part of the celebration for the 80^th anniversary and it’s a way to thank their loyal customer base. This is an expansion of the Most Valuable Customer Care Program in America, and it includes all Jeep brand vehicles and trims starting with the 2021 model year and extending memberships from 24 months to 36 months.

Related: Jeep Gladiator: Let’s Go Off-Roading

2021 Jeep Brand Vehicles Included

2022 Jeep Brand Vehicles Included

Jeep Wave Membership Benefits

There are many benefits to being part of the program. Listed below are some of the highlights.

No Additional Cost Worry-Free Maintenance

With the Jeep Wave membership, the first three oil changes and tire rotations are covered during the first 36 months you own your new Jeep. All service is done at your local dealership by a specially trained Jeep Brand technician. Plus, the Jeep Wave membership is the only program without mileage restrictions.

Confidence With Vehicle Protection

If you need a rental the Jeep Wave membership gives you no-charge same-day vehicle rental, not to exceed $35, and it is only for same day mechanical repair or maintenance service (heads-up, it does not include bodywork). I personally had an amazing experience with this part of the program. I had 2 tires go down on my Jeep and the dealership put me in a fun Gladiator loaner while they took great care of my Grand Cherokee and had me back in her by morning.

Dedicated 24/7 Owner Support

If you have any questions about your Jeep Brand vehicle, or if you need to service, just call 844-JEEP-WAVE, 24/7. You can also get in touch through email or by using the Live Chat option on your account page at any time. It’s comforting knowing someone will be on the other end of the phone should I need help.

VIP Treatment

The Jeep Wave membership really makes you feel like a VIP with preferred treatment at Jeep brand events across the country and access to exclusive events.

Off-Road Adventures

As a 4×4 Jeep owner I have had quite a few off-road adventures, it’s actually one of the main reasons I bought my Jeep Wrangler. Knowing there are great benefits in the Jeep Wave Program for off-road adventurers like me is definitely a great plus to being a Jeep owner.

A New Way To Adventure

If you are adventurous like me, you can find your next off-road adventure with the 6-month subscription to the popular off-roading map app called onX Offroad Elite that is included in your Jeep Wave membership. This 6-month subscription is only available for 2021 model year and newer Jeep vehicles with an active Jeep Wave Membership. There are 550K miles of trails and roads to access in the app. onX Offroad helps you wherever you drive, climb, or crawl in your Jeep 4×4 vehicle.

Who is Eligible for Jeep Wave?

Jeep Wave memberships have been expanded to all Jeep brand vehicles purchased or leased starting with the 2021 model year. Some 2020 Jeep Brand vehicle models and trims are available in the membership.

Facts And Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible for the Jeep Wave Membership Benefits?
  • Beginning with 2021 model year, all Jeep vehicles are automatically enrolled into the Jeep Wave program. For 2016-2020 model year vehicles, only select vehicles are automatically enrolled into the program:
  •  Wrangler and Gladiator – all trim levels
  • Grand Cherokee – Overland, Summit, SRT, Trailhawk, Trackhawk, and High Altitude trim levels
  • Cherokee, Compass and Renegade – Trailhawk trim level
• How do owners buy into the Jeep Wave Program?
  • Owners of 2015 model year and newer Jeep Brand vehicles not already enrolled in the Jeep Wave program can do so for an additional cost via the Jeep Wave page in the Care section of their owner account or by visiting their local dealer.
• Can members have more than one Jeep in the Jeep Wave Program?
  • Yes. Members can have an unlimited number of memberships so long as they have qualifying vehicles. Each membership is linked to a specific Vehicle Identification Number
• Can members get a refund on the Jeep Wave Program if they sell their Jeep Brand vehicle, or it is totaled in an accident?
  • Members who purchase a Jeep Wave membership are entitled to a full refund within 60 days of purchase, so long as none of the benefits have been utilized. Members seeking a refund should call the dedicated Jeep Wave member line at 844-JEEPWAVE (533-7928) for further information. After 60 days, no refund is available. Owners who received Jeep Wave automatically as part of a vehicle purchase are not entitled to a refund.
• How do the Maintenance services work?
  • Jeep Wave members can go to any U.S. authorized FCA dealer to redeem their oil change and tire rotation services.

I can’t wait to experience my new Jeep, and my new membership benefits. If I see you out there, I’ll be sure and give you a wave!