Trips in vehicles

You want to take children in your care on an outing by vehicle. It's exciting, stimulating for them, but a big undertaking with risks. This page aims to help by:

1. giving you an understanding of risk management and legal requirements;
2. helping you decide if you really want to make the trip at all, or whether there are other options that may be just as educational and fun and more 'eco'
3. helping you belt the children up safer if you do decide to go; and
4. helping you choose a safer vehicle operator and safer vehicle and driver.

Follow the links below to find out more:

• Is there a safer option?
• Choose a safe vehicle operator
• Fitting child seats
• Risk management and your legal requirements

Benefits of following this guidance

• Peace of mind that you are providing the best possible crash protection in the event of a crash.
• Best-possible comfort for the children, who invariably get fidgety on long journeys.
• High standard of compliance with risk assessment procedures within your institution.
• Opportunity to use the process as part of a learning exercise for the children on measuring and the importance of their special child seat or seat belts.
• Opportunity for a learning exercise for younger children on measuring and the importance of their car's special child seat.
• Helping children to be safer when out and about in vehicles with their parents or other relatives, as they will be more aware of the importance of seatbelts and child seats.
• Opportunity to update your internal health and safety policy to ensure you apply this standard on every trip.
• Evidence that you can use on your website when you are explaining what a safe and responsible institution you are.

Read Brake's wider road safety guidance for educators.