Travelling with Kids: On the Road Safety

Seatbelts: The One Rule That Never Changes

Every passenger in your tow vehicle must be properly restrained at all times – no exceptions, no matter how short the trip. In Australia, all children under seven years of age are legally required to travel in an approved child restraint, correctly fitted for the vehicle being used.

Before your trip, take the time to check that your child seat or booster is correctly installed in your tow vehicle specifically, not just your everyday car. Seat anchor points, belt paths, and fit can vary between vehicles. Motorhomes may not have required anchor points fitted as standard. If you’re unsure, visit a certified child restraint fitting station.

Build the seatbelt habit from the very first trip. Make it non-negotiable, explain the reason to your kids in age-appropriate language, and stay consistent. Children who grow up with the rule rarely push back on it.

Plan Your Rest Stops – For Everyone’s Sake

Long stretches of highway are tough for kids. Boredom, restlessness, and tired energy all add up – and a distracted, wriggly child in the back seat is a hazard you don’t want. As a general guide, plan a proper break every two hours. Not just a fuel stop, but a stretch, a walk, a snack, and a chance to burn some energy before getting back on the road.

Planning family-friendly stops has never been easier. The CMCA Traveller app is a great resource for members, helping you locate rest areas, caravan parks, and facilities along your route. Use it to map out your breaks in advance and build realistic daily driving distances that account for the needs of young travellers.

Where possible, choose stops with open space where kids can run freely. After two hours in a car seat, they need more than a car park – look for parks, reserves, or roadside rest areas with room to move.

Secure Everything in the Cabin

This one catches many families off guard. In a sudden brake or collision, anything unsecured in the cabin becomes a projectile. A full water bottle, a heavy lunchbox, a tablet, a hard toy – all of these can cause serious injury if they’re loose when the vehicle stops suddenly.

Before every drive, do a quick sweep of the back seat and cabin. Stow loose items in bags or secured compartments. Use cargo nets, seat-back organisers, and storage clips to keep the back seat tidy. If you’re using a screen for entertainment, a headrest-mounted option is far safer than a handheld device – and volume-limiting headphones protect young ears on long stretches.

Set the Rules Before You Leave the Driveway

A five-minute pre-trip briefing can prevent a lot of in-car frustration and risk. Walk children through the vehicle before you depart. Explain which areas are off-limits while moving, how to get your attention safely without startling the driver, and what to do if they feel unwell or need a stop. Kids who understand the rules – and the reasons behind them – are significantly more likely to follow them.

For older children, give them a role. Let them be the ‘navigator’ on the CMCA Traveller app, tracking progress and flagging upcoming stops. Responsibility and engagement make for far better passengers.

A Quick On-the-Road Checklist

• Child restraints checked and correctly fitted for the tow vehicle
• All passengers briefed on vehicle safety rules before departure
• Loose items secured in bags or compartments
• Rest stops planned every two hours on long drives
• Snacks, water, and entertainment prepared and within safe reach
• CMCA Traveller app loaded with your route and nearby facilities.

Safe travel starts before you turn the key. Take the time to get it right, and the road ahead will be a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone on board.