LANCASTER, PA — As summer road trip season hits full stride, new research from Chicco USA reveals a troubling trend among traveling parents: 52% report feeling stress and anxiety in the days leading up to a family getaway, and nearly a quarter (23%) acknowledge they only occasionally—or never—verify their child’s car seat is correctly installed.
In response, Chicco has partnered with AAA for the third consecutive year to launch a Family Road Trip Safety Hub, aimed at reducing travel stress and promoting child passenger safety. The free, online resource offers a range of expert-backed tools and tips, including car seat installation guidance, state-by-state laws, maintenance checklists, and driving advice for parents.
“A car seat that is properly installed and used correctly is the first line of defense that parents can take to keep young passengers safe in the backseat,” said William Hasse, Vice President of Marketing at Chicco USA. “By combining our expertise in child safety with AAA’s vast knowledge of road safety, we hope to make it easier for parents juggling it all to feel confident they’ve taken the steps needed to enhance the safety of their traveling family.”
The Family Road Trip Safety Hub provides a one-stop shop for practical insights from certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) and AAA travel experts. Highlights include:
- State-Specific Car Seat Laws: An interactive tool helps parents navigate differing regulations across state lines, ensuring compliance during multi-state travel.
- Pre-Trip Prep: With 40% of parents saying kids ask “Are we there yet?” every 20–30 minutes—and 31% reporting even more frequent questioning—AAA recommends using its Trip Canvas to find family-friendly attractions and minimize road-trip fatigue.
- Driving Tips for Parents: Defensive driving, proper spacing between vehicles, and maintaining full situational awareness are emphasized for safe family travel.
- Car Seat Rental Guidance: When traveling without a personal car seat, parents are advised to inspect any rented seat for expiration dates and ensure the manual is on hand.
“We anticipate that millions of families will be traveling by car this summer, and road trips remain a popular method of travel due to comfort, convenience, and cost,” said Kellan Howell, Media Relations Manager at AAA. “Our continued collaboration with Chicco to help families feel confident as they navigate their journey is more important than ever during these peak travel seasons.”
As families prepare for summer road adventures, Chicco and AAA’s initiative underscores the importance of turning car seat safety from an afterthought into a priority—potentially turning stressful travel into a more secure and enjoyable experience for all.
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