Seat belt safety is something to take very seriously when driving with your child. Thirty states in the U.S. will give tickets for undone seat belts, even if there is no other driving offense, notes the Governors Highway Safety Association. That's why if your mischievous child keeps unlocking his seat belt, you must find a way to stop him. You simply cannot drive your child in your car unless the seat belt is fastened securely. If reasoning doesn't seem to work with your child, try seat belt clips, distraction and even punishment, all in the name of safety.
Step 1
Talk to your child about car safety if she is old enough to understand. Mention why you want her to wear her seat belt, and why it's important. Sit down and watch safety videos geared toward children, like the ones found at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. You can watch them and then discuss the highlights afterward.
Step 2
Purchase your child the correct size of car seat. As a general rule, children should be in an infant car seat until at least age 1, and a forward-facing car seat until 4, after which a booster seat and a lap belt can be used as noted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Test the proper car seat before you purchase one; make sure that the straps can be fastened securely with little wiggle room. A well-fitting car seat may make your child less likely to try and get out. One that is too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable.
Step 3
Announce to your child that you are putting him in charge of the "seat belt patrol." Purchase a small badge so that he feels official. Tell him that from now on, he is in charge of making sure that everyone has their seat belts on before the car starts moving. Giving him an official title and job can make buckling up seem like an important responsibility.
Step 4
Pull the car over and refuse to drive until the seat belt has been buckled up, suggests the Automobile Association. This is especially effective when you're traveling somewhere that you child is excited about, as it sends a clear message that you won't drive unless she is buckled up. For smaller children, you might say that the car can't move unless everyone is buckled up, pretending that buckled seat belts are really the fuel for the car.
Step 5
Purchase a locking clip that locks the seat belt so that only an adult can undo the belt. Make sure this is a last-resort step, as locks can make it difficult to remove your child's seat belt in case of emergency. However, if it is the only way your child will keep his seat belt on, it is a necessary measure.
