Harvey’s Safe Road Trip Adventure
Hi friends — Harvey here!
Guess what? I’m going on a road trip! 🚗
We’re packing up the car to visit my grandparents. It’s my grandma’s birthday, and there’s going to be cake, hugs, and lots of family time. I can hardly wait!
Before we even start the car, Mom and Dad make sure everything is ready — not just for fun, but for safety, too.
My little brother climbs into his car seat. It fits him just right, and Mom checks the straps to make sure they’re snug.
“Safe and secure,” she says with a smile.
Then it’s my turn.
I hop into my special travel harness and crate. It’s soft and cozy, like my own little room. Dad clips it in with a seat belt so it stays in place.
“At home, we can move around,” he tells me, “but in the car, we stay buckled and safe.”
I wag my tail. I like knowing everyone is protected.
As we start driving, I look out the window — but I keep my head and paws inside. The wind whooshes by, and it’s exciting, but staying inside keeps me safe.
There’s so much to do on a road trip!
Sometimes we play “I Spy.”
Sometimes we just look out the window and imagine stories about the places we pass.
And sometimes… we nap.
After a while, Mom says, “Time for a break!”
We stop at a rest area to stretch our legs. I jump out (on my leash!) and stay close to my family. There are new people and lots of interesting smells, but I feel best when I stay right near Mom and Dad.
“We stick together,” Dad reminds us.
I like that rule. It makes me feel safe.
Soon, we’re back on the road again — everyone in their right spots, everyone buckled in.
Finally, we arrive!
My grandparents are waiting with big smiles and open arms. I get extra pats, and my brother runs in for hugs.
I think about our trip — all the fun, all the laughs, and all the ways we stayed safe along the way.
Because when we take care of each other…
We get to enjoy every moment. ❤️
Talk About It
- Why do we use car seats and seat belts in the car?
- Why is it important to stay in your seat while the car is moving?
- What are some fun things you can do on a road trip?
- Why do we stay close to our grown-ups when we stop somewhere new?
A Note to Parents and Caregivers
Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are essential for protecting children in vehicles. Using the right seat for a child’s size and age—and ensuring it is properly installed—greatly reduces the risk of injury. Pets should also be safely secured using a crate or harness system to prevent distraction and injury.
Road trips are a great opportunity to reinforce simple safety habits:
- Stay buckled at all times
- Keep hands and heads inside the vehicle
- Take breaks safely and stay close in unfamiliar places
Framing these behaviors as part of caring for one another helps children understand that safety is not about fear—it’s about protection and love.
Be sure to check out this link at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life for more seatbelt safety tips and videos.