Check the expiration date on your car seat, Wilkey added. Unlike wine, car seats don't improve with age. At one inspection, Wilkey said she saw a woman present a police officer with a 10-year-old car seat — four years past its expiration date.

"Let me show you why it's expired," the officer said.

He threw the seat against the ground and it shattered like glass, Wilkey said.

Aside from the safety tips, any pointers for soothing youngsters on a long holiday road trip?

Trotter, who recently traded her old car seat for a new one, said her family sometimes travels to visit relatives in Kansas, which translates into nearly 20 hours of road time over two days. First, she said distractions help entertain Josef.

"His binky is a big help," she said.

Stuffed animals come in handy too, Trotter said. Also, dress children in comfortable clothes like sweats or pajamas. Take some time every few hours to let parents and children stretch limbs.

"On a 10-hour road trip, five minutes isn't going to make that big of a deal," Trotter said.

More information about car seats and Miller and Wilkey's installation class is available at www.co.utah.ut.us.

---

E-mail: jdana@desnews.com