It is summertime, and you're driving on your holidays with the family. And behind the wheel the living isn’t always easy. It is too hot (sometimes even in Ireland ... or maybe you're finally fed up with the rain and you've finally bailed out for the sun!), and you have been driving for hours. We’ve all (well, parents all anyway) have reached the point where our nerves get to the limit, with the children’s wish for their tuneless favourites clashing badly with the much-needed restful classical music you crave in the gridlock.

But at least they are securely strapped into their seats, and that’s one worry off your increasingly frazzled mind.

Still, you should be sure. You should pull over from time to time, and you certainly should have done a complete check before you took off.

And what might you have done? And if you haven’t, what should you do RIGHT NOW? Because you can’t afford to wait until the next pit stop - if there is one thing children can do very well, it is to be distracting. The noise you can tune out, having them crawling around you and grabbing at your hair to get attention because they’re having a row between themselves, you surely can not.

First, never small children in front. Even to separate them. Two, make it clear that their travelling with you is dependent on them staying strapped in at all times. For those little ones who need a child seat, don’t be tempted to leave it behind for the sake of having a little extra carrying space.

When you are buying or installing child seats, there are a few things you should remember:

* Always buy the right car seat for your child’s weight and physical development, checking for the British Standard Kitemark or the European standard approval.

* Replace the seat as the child grows bigger.

* Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, before you buy, if you can.

* Check the seat is firm at all times, making sure before every journey.
* Make sure that the harness is firm: you should only be able to get one or two fingers between the strap and the child’s chest.

* Do not use a second hand child seat. But if you do, make sure you get it from a reputable source. Do not use one that has been in an accident or shows wear. Make sure you have all the required parts and fitting instructions.

* If you have an accident, check the seat for signs of damage. If necessary, replace it.

* If anyone else is driving your child, make sure they know how to fit the seat and monitor its use.

* If you hire a vehicle, double check the fitting.

And good luck in finding the sun. Peace and quiet? ... well, that might be another matter entirely.