Child and pet safety when travelling
Keeping children and pets safe on the road is a top priority. Always use appropriate car seats or restraints for children, and secure pets in carriers or with harnesses to prevent distractions. Take regular breaks to let everyone stretch and stay comfortable. At Motor Bridge, we stress planning ahead and making safety a habit – because protecting your loved ones makes every journey safer and more enjoyable.
Child and Pet Safety When Travelling
Smarter Motoring Includes Everyone On Board
When you’re on the road, your responsibilities don’t stop with the car — they extend to your most precious passengers. Whether it’s a child in a car seat or a beloved pet in the back, ensuring their safety is a crucial part of responsible and smarter motoring.
At Motor Bridge, we’re committed to helping drivers protect everyone travelling with them, through awareness, planning and simple safety practices.
Did You Know?
According to ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), more than 2,000 child passengers are injured in road accidents in the UK each year — often due to incorrect use of child car seats.
Meanwhile, unsecured pets can pose a serious danger too. In a crash at 30mph, an unrestrained dog can be thrown forward with enough force to injure both itself and other passengers – child and pet safety should be taken seriously.
Child Passenger Safety
✅ 1. Use the Right Car Seat
UK law requires children to use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall — whichever comes first.
Always choose a seat that meets EU or UK safety standards (e.g., ECE R44 or R129).
✅ 2. Fit and Adjust Correctly
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting.
Ensure harnesses are snug and positioned at the correct height.
Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag.
✅ 3. Avoid Bulky Clothing
Coats and padded clothing can reduce the effectiveness of harnesses.
Dress children in thinner layers and cover them with a blanket if needed.
✅ 4. Regularly Check the Seat
Make sure it’s still securely fitted before each journey.
Children grow fast — check that the seat is still the right size and fit for their age and height.
Pet Passenger Safety
✅ 1. Use a Proper Restraint
The Highway Code requires dogs and other animals to be “suitably restrained” while driving.
Use a pet seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or vehicle dog guard.
✅ 2. Never Let Pets Roam Free
An unrestrained pet can cause distractions or be seriously injured in a crash.
Pets should never sit on the driver’s lap or stick their heads out of the window.
✅ 3. Avoid Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
Even on mild days, car interiors can reach dangerous temperatures quickly.
Never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle — it’s a serious risk and may be classed as neglect.
Smarter Motoring = Safer Journeys for All
Smarter motoring means thinking ahead and making decisions that keep everyone safe — including your most vulnerable passengers. Child and pet safety is vital when travelling from using the right car seats to properly restraining pets, these are simple steps that make a big difference.
🛡️ Quick Safety Checklist:
✅ Is the child seat suitable and securely fitted?
✅ Are children properly harnessed and dressed appropriately?
✅ Is your pet restrained with a harness, guard or carrier?
✅ Have you packed food, water, and entertainment for the journey?
✅ Are rest breaks planned to keep everyone comfortable?
Safety Starts with You
Whether it’s a quick school run or a long family holiday, preparation is key to a smooth and safe trip. At Motor Bridge, we encourage drivers to take small steps toward smarter, safer motoring – because nothing is more important than protecting the ones who ride with you – child and pet safety should be the top priority to every driver.
Disclaimer:
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information we provide, it is intended for general guidance only. We make every effort to keep our content current and correct, but we cannot guarantee that all information is free from errors or omissions. Therefore, we accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, or inconvenience caused as a result of reliance on material found on this platform. Always consult official sources or professional advice where appropriate.
