Obviously, car safety is of top importance when you're driving with children in the car. In addition, as a single parent, there are some specific car safety and convenience features that can make your job as the sole driver a little easier. Before buying your next car, consider the following features and how they can make every road trip both safer and more convenient:
1. LATCH
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It simply means that you can more easily and securely attach an infant or toddler car seat by clipping the car seat's tethers to a latch imbedded between the seat and the back cushion. This car safety feature is especially helpful for single parents who have to frequently move their children's car seats between various cars.
2. ABS Breaks
Anti-lock Braking Systems prevent brakes from locking up during wet or snowy road conditions. This means that instead of having to remember to manually pump the brakes several times during a rain or snow storm, you can simply apply firm, hard pressure to your brakes, without having to worry that they'll lock up. For single parents with little ones in the car, this car safety feature can be extremely helpful.3. Front and Side Air Bags
Air bags save lives by cushioning the blow of impact during an accident. Look for a car that comes with front and side air bags, standard. In addition, it's important to remember that children under the age of 12 should not ride in the front seat of a car equipped with front air bags because the force of the air bag deployment can result in severe neck injuries.4. A Passenger Seat Air Bag That You Can Turn Off
Most vehicles come with front air bags that can not be turned off. However, some cars provide an on/off switch for the passenger side air bag, or provide a light telling you whether the air bag is on, based on the passenger's weight. In such cases, the air bags do not engage or deploy when a child is sitting in the front seat. In the event that your child likes to sit up front with you, or you occasionally need more seating space, look for a car that provides an optional passenger seat air bag.5. Built-in Booster Seats
With many states extending the age and/or height and weight requirements for children who are required to use booster seats, built in boosters can be a huge convenience feature for single parents. This way, you don't have to worry about carrying the booster seat with you when you switch cars, and your child can easily choose which seat he or she wants to use in the back. In addition, because it's built right in, you can be sure that it's properly installed.6. Remote Start
Here's a convenience feature that can be especially helpful to single parents living in cooler climates who may not have time in the morning to go warm the car up on a cold day. Simply press the button on your key chain, and the car will start automatically for you. (Just make sure that the car is not in the garage when using this feature.)7. Keyless Entry
Consider buying a car that comes with keyless entry, so that you won't ever have to worry about locking your keys in the car again. Especially if you have young children, this option is an important car safety feature.
