Pop quiz--What is the number one killer of children in America today?

If you said "motor vehicle crashes," then you are right on track. Simply put, that is why child transportation safety is a very hot topic today. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, childcare personnel are not only responsible for transporting children safely, but should be educating children about car and transportation safety and should also be advocating that parents and others who drive children take appropriate measures to prevent vehicular injuries and deaths.

So, how does your childcare program measure up when it comes to moving children and staff safely? Do you need to practice your transportation safety "ABCs?"

A. Alert staff and families about the importance of transporting their children and themselves safely, even on short trips. Most vehicle crashes take place within five miles of home and at speeds under 25 miles per hour. Include transportation safety tips in newsletters and fliers, and feature them as topics for parent discussion groups.

B. Belts, booster, and back seats are the words to remember! Adults should wear lap and seatbelts, but adult belts do not fit children until they are at least 4' 9" tall and weigh at least 80 pounds. Adult seatbelts can ride up on little tummies and cause serious injury in a crash. Youngsters weighing 40–80 pounds should use a belt-positioning booster seat, which helps the adult lap and shoulder systems fit better. Remember, infants must be strapped in approved safety seats with the vehicle seat belts going through the correct slots.

C. Cellular phone use is avoided. Using or answering a cellular phone can be a dangerous distraction when driving.

D. Driver qualifications should be considered when hiring staff. Drivers should:

• Have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) for vehicles in the same class as the vehicles they will be operating.
• Meet any physical, mental, or other requirements established by law or regulations. Document physical capability through an annual medical examination.
• Have a safe past driving history, as determined by a background check.

E. Education about safe riding practices, getting on and off of vehicles, and crossing streets safely should be part of the children's developmentally appropriate curriculum.

F. First aid supplies, a charged fire extinguisher, and a seat belt cutter should be available to the adults in all vehicles. Staff should be trained in how to use them correctly. Emergency identification and contact information for all children being transported must also be on board.

G. Get the word out about transportation safety! You and your staff have a responsibility, both as community members and educators, to help others drive safely and with concern for children's safety.

H. Harnesses hold children in their seats to protect them in a crash. Full five-point harnesses in child safety seats should be used as long as possible, but at least until the child weighs 40 pounds. Adjust harness straps to fit snugly over shoulders and hips, which are the "strong" body parts best able to absorb impacts.

I. Infants under age one and weighing under 20-22 pounds should ride in approved rear-facing restraints in the back seat. Never put a rear-facing infant seat in the front with an airbag!

J. Just one adult, the driver, usually cannot provide enough child supervision. You should have several trained vehicle monitors on board. In an emergency, the adult to child ratio can be critical.

K. Keep instructions that come with a baby's safety seat. Because misuse of child safety seats is very common, you should encourage parents to read and reread the instruction manual for proper use.

L. Liability is involved when your program transports children. Be sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance coverage.

M. Maintenance of vehicles is critical. You should have written procedures to ensure a thorough vehicle safety inspection each year through a licensed state inspector. Regular vehicle maintenance is a must, and drivers should be trained in daily pre-trip inspection of all vehicles.

N. Never let anyone eat or drink in a moving vehicle. That introduces the potential for choking!

O. Organize your program's transportation services with that of another nearby quality program, if possible. Sharing transportation is cost effective and environmentally friendly.

P. Parents and families are your partners in safety. Emphasize to them the importance of escorting their children to the bus stop and staying their until they are on the vehicle, then being at the bus stop again when they return. Also, make sure parents are aware of what you are teaching their children about safe riding practices and ask them to reinforce these messages at home.

Q. Question children about safe riding practices and pedestrian safety issues. Children learn best when concepts are repeated more than once.

R. Route planning for trips with young children should keep transit time as short as possible. Routing should avoid "U" turns and backups, if possible. Alternate routes should be established in case of hazardous conditions or emergencies. All drivers should know the locations and quickest routes to the nearest hospitals.

S. Stopping places should prevent the need for a child to cross the street when boarding or leaving the vehicle.

T. Training for your drivers should include the following:

• How to operate the vehicle safely.
• How to safely run a fixed route, including loading and unloading children.
• How to keep accurate records.
• How to operate special equipment, such as wheelchair lifts.
• How to handle emergency situations, including safe vehicle evacuation procedures.
• The importance of stopping at railroad crossings and other special driving maneuvers.
• Program policy and procedures for releasing a child to adults.

U. Under 13 years of age, children should sit in the back seat of a car, especially if the vehicle has air bags. An infant or child riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed by an inflating air bag

V. Verify that both staff and children know what to do during routine trips and during transportation emergencies. Ride with the drivers at unannounced times so you can experience first-hand whether your program transports children safely.

W. Weather can be hazardous, particularly heavy rain or snow or icy conditions. Make sure your drivers are prepared for all types of driving conditions and know when stopping is more prudent than proceeding during a storm. Be prepared to cancel field trips or other activities if the weather is hazardous.

X. "X" marks the spot! Be sure that the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and seat belt cutter are easily accessible to adults, and have a sign that clearly identifies their location. Exits should also be clearly marked.

Y. You hold the key to transportation safety for yourself and your own family and friends, as well as the children in your childcare program. Be an activist and spread the word: Transportation Safety Matters!

Z. Zero in on those aspects of your program's transportation that need improvement. Remember, a quality transportation safety program does not happen overnightbut it may last a lifetime!

Paula Mydlenski, MS, RD, CDN
Nutrition Consultant and Specialist, Training and Technical Assistance Services
Western Kentucky University

Safe Kids, www.safekids.org, type in search engine: transportation in child care.

Safety Tips, www.parenting.org, type in search engine: transportation in child care.

The text for the National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Caring for our Children Standards is located on the website of the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care. Visit the section on transportation nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/JTMLVersion/Chapter_2.html#1019019 or call 800-598-KIDS.