With the winter holidays firmly on the horizon, millions of families all over the UK are planning the big drive home for Christmas. With the prospect of celebrating with friends and family and dining out on festive feasts, it can be easy to forget the dangers that go hand-in-hand with travelling in winter conditions. No parent wants to take chances when it comes to their children's safety, which is why leading mobility brand, Britax has teamed up with Good Egg Safety to provide parents with some useful winter travel tips to ensure the nation's families reach their destinations safely this Christmas.

The partnership follows the launch of Britax's latest Group 1-2-3 car seat, ADVANSAFIX - the first multistage car seat using ISOFIX connectors that gives parents the option to keep their child in a five-point harness up to 25kg. This cleverly designed multi-stage car seat has been developed with busy families in mind, ensuring optimum safety for children aged from 9 months up to approximately 12 years (9kg - 36kg). ADVANSAFIX adapts and grows with the child, giving parents the freedom to choose one seat instead of two and the assurance that their little ones will travel safely year after year for up to 11 years.

Britax safety expert, Mark Bennett, said, "Christmas is an exciting time of year for families. Each year is another milestone for children and it's a time to celebrate with loved ones. But amid all the excitement, it's really important to consider some simple car safety checks to ensure you and your most precious cargo arrive safely. Making sure you have the right car seat installed for your child is the first step to providing that reassurance, so if you're unsure if your little one has outgrown their seat, be sure to visit your local car seat retailer as they will be able to advise you on what's right for your family."

Jan James, CEO at Good Egg Safety said: "We welcome this important initiative from Britax. Of course child car seat safety is a priority at any time of the year, however it is especially important in the winter when driving conditions can be much more hazardous and the chances of a collision increased due to poor visibility, glare from the winter sun, slippery roads and darker mornings and evenings. We are driving in conditions we are less used to, and often at a later time, for example after visiting family and friends, or returning from a Christmas trip. Good Egg Safety supports Britax in encouraging parents to double check their child's car seat this Christmas."

To support Britax's 'Driving Home for Christmas' initiative, Good Egg Safety has provided 12 simple tips  and checks for families to consider before setting off for the holidays:

1. Check your child's car seat is properly fitted before every journey - particularly if you've removed your seat or had others in the car next to the child seat
2. Check your child's harness is at the correct height and tension - always adjust the harness to your child when they go in the seat to accommodate their clothing
3. Remove thick, puffy jackets or winter coats - these can prevent the harness from fitting your child properly, and your child may overheat once the car warms up. As a driver it is worth keeping a spare pair of suitable driving shoes in the car.  Footwear such as winter boots have thick soles that can catch on pedals
4. Remove any non-soft toys or gifts your child may receive and store them in the boot until you get home - a toy will become a projectile in a collision and can injure occupants in the car. Put presents for friends and family in the boot of your car, rather than next to you or on the back seat
5. Set the recline of your child's car seat to semi-reclined rather than upright after trips out, so that they can fall asleep without you worrying about their positioning
6. Don't drink and drive!  If you are going to have a drink, avoid driving the next morning - you can easily still be over the limit the next day
7. Always keep a breakdown kit in your boot.  This should include:

• Warning Triangle
• Tow Rope
• Torch
• Hi-Vis jacket/Waistcoat
• Tyre Inflator
• Blankets/Emergency foil blanket
• Spare hats, scarves and gloves
• Sunglasses for winter sun glare
• Umbrella

1. If you are going on a long journey, also take/check the following:

• A flask of hot water/tea/coffee
• Fresh, bottled water
• Food/Chocolate
• Ensure your phone battery is fully charged

1. Check the tyres and stock up on antifreeze and screen wash
2. Take into account weather conditions for your journey and allow extra time and breaks
3. Early evening failing light is particularly hazardous for spotting cyclists and pedestrians in dark clothes, so with the added distraction of travelling with children please take extra caution
4. Don't rush! It is tempting to rush home from work for the holidays, but take the extra time to drive safely and considerately

For more information on Britax's latest combination seat ADVANSAFIX, visit http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/advansafix

 

-ENDS- 

 

Notes to Editors:

For more information about Britax, find your freedom at: www.britax.co.uk or find Britax onhttps://www.facebook.com/BritaxUK.

About Britax

Britax is a global leader and innovator in child mobility dedicated to making family travel safer and easier throughout the journey of parenthood. Specialising in a complete range of premium car seats, strollers, baby carriers and accessories that meet modern family lifestyle needs, Britax's mission is to inspire families to travel more freely, confident of safety, sure of style.

Britax was founded in Britain in 1938 focusing initially on safety developments such as adult seat belts.  In the 1960s they launched the company's first child car seat. In 1978, it merged with established German car safety counterpart Römer. More recently, Britax acquired the hugely popular outdoor stroller brand BOB in 2011 and the BRIO pushchair and car safety business in 2013.

Now Britax maintains offices in 12 countries, operates in almost all countries globally and employs more than 1000 people.

For more information about BRITAX please contact Threepipe:

Tel: 0207 632 4800

Email: britax@threepipe.co.uk