3 Safety Tips for Carpooling During COVID-19

 

It’s that time of year—time to load up the minivan and take your kids and their friends to school. Obviously, this year is much different than others because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one result has been the disruption of everyday routines for millions of Americans. And that disruption has carried over to the beginning of the academic year.

Even though many schools have already opened and others are soon to follow, there are a lot of questions as to how each school will operate. Some students will be attending classes in person full-time, some will be navigating online learning, and others will be doing a mixture of the two. And despite excruciating planning and strategizing, school systems across the country will be winging it to a degree since no one really knows how long the pandemic will last.

But one thing is for sure: Kids who are attending school need to be able to get there. And for many families, carpooling is the preferred mode of transportation. Fortunately, there are safe ways to carpool with your kids and their friends, even during the pandemic. From taking extra precautions to enforcing basic rules of the road, here are three tips for keeping everyone in your vehicle safe when carpooling this school year:

 

1. Follow Pandemic-Specific Guidelines

The CDC recommends “avoiding pooled rides where multiple passengers are not in the same household.” But they have also recommended specific steps that you can take if walking, biking, or riding the bus is not feasible for your family and neighbors and carpooling is the only option.

First of all, any child or parent who is sick or has had known contact with someone who has coronavirus should stay home. Also, every person riding in the vehicle should wear a face mask or face covering, and each person should have their own bottle of hand sanitizer. Furthermore, to improve your vehicle’s ventilation, lower the windows, and make sure the vehicle’s ventilation system is on non-recirculation.

Another thing to consider is whether the little passengers outside of your household are in your children’s pandemic bubble. Schools are organizing students into classroom cohorts or pods in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and it’s best to limit who rides in your vehicle to those who are already in your children’s groups.

Moreover, whether or not you should add kids who are not family to your carpool will also depend on how many passengers you have. For example, if you have a minivan or large SUV, you could have one child ride in the second row and one in the third row. However, the more passengers you have, the harder it becomes to practice social distancing. So, consider how many kids you have riding with you before adding any others.  

 

2. Practice General Vehicle Safety for Kids

Anytime you’re driving with children in the car, it’s essential that each child uses the proper seat. If your child is using a safety seat, make sure it’s in good condition and that it is installed and fastened correctly. And don’t rush to move your child up to the next car seat; it’s essential that they use the appropriate seat for their height and weight. If you are driving around kids who are in booster seats or using only a seat belt, make sure everyone has their seat belts fastened before you move the vehicle and that they keep them on until the trip is over.

Also, never let any two children share a seatbelt. And remember that any child under 13-years-old should always sit in the backseat, which helps protect them from potential injuries caused by passenger airbags.

 

3. Stay Focused on the Road

Finally, the parent must always practice safe driving, especially when children are in the vehicle. No matter what, remain attentive, alert, and focused on the road and the vehicles around you. Make sure any kids who ride with you have a clear understanding of the safety rules and that they stay calm in the backseat so as to prevent distractions.

And for your part, never text on your phone while driving. Not only will doing so put you and everyone with you at risk, but it will also teach dangerous habits to the children under your care. 

If you need to drive your kids and their friends to school this year, it’s essential to be mindful of the steps you should take. Remember to abide by the guidelines established by the CDC as closely as you can, enforce basic rules that help keep children safe on the road, and at all costs, remain focused while driving. At Mount Airy Toyota, we are care about the well-being of our customers, which is why we are committed to following all proper precautions necessary to keep a safe and healthy atmosphere. Following tips like these can help ensure a safe carpool experience, which means that everyone wins!

 

The Three Models in the 2020 Tacoma TRD Lineup—Which One Is Right for You?

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma comes from a long line of successful midsize pickup trucks and has garnered a loyal following from off-road enthusiasts over the years for its superb performance and reliability, among other factors. But the popularity of the “Taco” reaches far beyond the niche of those who take the road less traveled. In fact, it’s been the best-selling truck in its class for a decade and a half. 

In particular, the TRD models make the Tacoma something to talk about year after year. And 2020 sees some notable upgrades that are sure to impress those who are in the market for a midsize pickup truck. To help you determine which truck will suit your needs, let’s discuss the new features and break down the three Tacoma models in the TRD lineup—the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro:

 

NEW FEATURES 

Toyota has gone to great lengths to make their vehicles safer. The Toyota Safety Sense P safety package comes on all 2020 Tacoma models. This includes High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. There are also two cabs available across all Tacoma grades: an extended cab (Access Cab) and a four-door cab (Double Cab). 

All models are now compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Each model

above the SR grade, which includes all TRD models, comes with an eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. 

The TRD Tacomas receive perhaps the most extensive upgrades for 2020. The TRD Sport gets a Panoramic View Monitor, LED fog lamps, chrome insert tail lights, passenger Smart Key, and 17-inch wheels. TRD Sport buyers who opt for the V6 engine will also get a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and LED/DRL headlamps are available as well. Moreover, Toyota’s specially-tuned shocks come standard on the TRD Sport.

Step up to the TRD Off-Road, and you will get all of the features mentioned above with Bilstein tuned shocks in place of the Toyota shocks. And if you go with the Double Cab configuration, you will receive the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which gives you a view of the wheels and surrounding areas. 

Not surprisingly, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro is the cream of the crop when it comes to taking adventures on rough terrain. Along with all of the off-road features of the TRD Off-Road model, the TRD Pro includes Rigid Industries LED fog lights, sequential LED/DRL headlamps, bold black-insert tail lights, and blacked-out 16-inch wheels. The new wheels are more than four pounds lighter than the ones on the 2019 models, and the suspension on the 2020 TRD Pro has been modified to complement the lighter wheels. 

Also new on the 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro are two color options: Magnetic Gray and Army Green, the latter of which is exclusive to the TRD Pro grade. Super White and Midnight Black Metallic are also available, bringing the color options to four. Furthermore, Panoramic View Monitor and Multi-Terrain Monitor are standard for the TRD Pro, as are a JBL Premium Audio System and a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat. 

 

2020 TOYOTA TRD SPORT 

Now that you’ve seen some of the new stuff offered on all of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD models, let’s take a more detailed look at the TRD Sport, which is consistently one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the country.

Unless you’re seeking off-road adventures, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport offers all the performance you could ask for. Coming standard are a sport-tuned suspension, rear-wheel-drive, and 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder is good for 160 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Most buyers go for the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

The TRD Sport is available with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, and it can tow a maximum of 6,800 pounds. And buyers can also opt for a 4WDemand part-time four-wheel-drive system. 

The interior of the 2020 TRD Sport seats up to four passengers. Though it may not include some of the luxuries offered in higher grades, the cabin of the TRD Sport makes for a comfortable ride while staying true to its rugged, sporty styling and materials that set it apart from other trucks on the market. And when it comes to legroom, there’s plenty to go around in both the front and back seats. 

As far as the exterior goes, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport comes with an all-new grille, as well as 17-inch wheels and more chrome inserts throughout the entire body. Also, an aggressive hood scoop comes standard. Buyers who are looking for a midsize pickup that looks aggressive and sporty won’t be disappointed.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport also comes with impressive technology features. Along with the eight-inch touchscreen, buyers get the Toyota Smart Key with Push Button Start, Toyota Entune 3.0 Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation, and a Qi charging system for wireless devices. Starting at $32,745, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport is considered by many critics to give Tacoma drivers the most bang for their buck. 

 

2020 TOYOTA TRD OFF-ROAD 

Going a step up to the TRD Off-Road grade is likely a good move for drivers who have a taste for the dirt and hills. The 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road comes standard with the 3.5-liter V6 engine (278 hp and 265 lb-ft), as well as the automatic six-speed transmission, which performs efficiently and smoothly. This makes for easy passing on the highway as well as heightened performance on rough terrain. Of course, you can opt for the manual transmission, which many serious off-roaders prefer. 

Also standard on the TRD Off-Road is the part-time four-wheel-drive system, a specially-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks, and 16-inch wheels. A locking rear differential adds grip when the terrain gets challenging, and a hill-start assist feature helps prevent the truck from rolling backward on steep inclines. 

Another impressive feature is Toyota’s Crawl Control; similar to cruise control, this feature allows you to program five different speeds so that you can keep the truck moving slowly and steadily around obstacles without having to worry about the pedals. Despite its stellar off-road performance, the TRD Off-Road offers a decent ride on pavement, with secure handling and body control. 

Like the TRD Sport, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s interior is sturdy and rugged, and the cabin boasts well-made materials that will rival any competitor. However, the Off-Road grade makes it clear that you have stepped up a notch with a bright-red trim adorning the dashboard and soft plastic on the passenger side with an eye-catching crosshatch pattern. 

The TRD Off-Road seats up to five passengers, and there is ample storage space throughout the cabin. Along with sizable door pockets, the truck offers plenty of storage in its glove compartment and center console, which includes several little cubbies. 

 

2020 TOYOTA TRD PRO 

When it comes to an aggressive, sleek appearance and powerful off-road performance, the 2020 Toyota TRD Pro is a midsize truck to dream about. Though it comes at a higher price, it offers the most for buyers. Here are some details to consider:

 

Performance

Like the Tacoma TRD Off-Road, the TRD Pro comes standard with the DOHC 24-valve Atkinson-capable 3.5-liter V6 engine. Zero to 60 mph measures at 7.3-8.1 seconds, while zero to 100 mph comes in at 21.22-22.6 seconds. The TRD Pro also comes with 16-inch wheels, Fox 2.5-inch-diameter internal bypass shocks, progressive-rate leaf springs, a TRD exhaust system, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, and a signature snorkel that allows for better airflow to the engine when navigating deep water.

Every aspect of the 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro was designed with the trails in mind. And it shows. The Tacoma TRD Pro’s 35-degree approach angle and 9.4 inches of ground clearance outdo competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, and vertical slopes are tackled with minimal effort. Furthermore, the six-speed automatic transmission is surprisingly responsive and smooth on the trail. 

 

Interior

In the cabin, the TRD Pro comfortably accommodates taller drivers despite the high cabin floor that gives the truck its impressive ground clearance. Also, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat allows you to adjust the seat height until it suits you perfectly. And the Tacoma TRD Pro boasts uber-comfortable leather seats with attractive stitching and “TRD” emblems. You will also get a moonroof standard. 

 

Exterior

For its outer appearance, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro offers even more aggressiveness than its other TRD siblings. It’s distinctive exterior leaves no room for mistaking it as any other truck. This is accomplished with a large grill, flared fenders, and an upward kick in the rear window, among other features. In place of the Toyota logo is a vintage “TOYOTA” badge in the middle of the grille, and blacked-out trim, wheels, and rear-seat windows make for a mean-looking midsize pickup. The extra-beefy tires add some oomph as well. 

The TRD Pro’s tailgate brings a touch of modernity with a big “TOYOTA” stamp on the bottom of the tailgate. This is balanced with a raised ride height and shorter bed, which resembles the proportions of more classic pickup trucks. And let’s not forget the slew of “TRD” logos boldly adorning the truck’s exterior.

 

DECIDING WHICH TRD MODEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU 

When it comes to deciding between the 2020 Tacoma TRD models, it all depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your pickup truck. On the inside, all the TRD models are quite similar, though the TRD Pro offers some minor touches that set it apart. Nonetheless, performance and exterior appearance should be the deciding factors. 

The TRD Sport is simply a great-looking truck, it’s really fun to drive, and many buyers find that it offers the best all-around value. It does everything you would want a sporty pickup truck to do when on normal roads, especially when equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. But if you plan to take the road less taken, the TRD Off-Road or TRD PRO are the better options. 

With the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, the wheel size drops to 16 inches, which lends itself to better performance on rough terrain. You will also get an off-road traction control system, several terrain modes, specially-tuned shocks, and a locking rear differential, among many other features designed to enhance your off-roading experience. 

The TRD Off-Road is truly the middle ground of the TRD grades. Despite its name, it provides a slightly more comfortable ride on pavement than the TRD Pro. On the trails, however, the TRD Pro outperforms the TRD Off-Road in every aspect. Both of these models look mean and sleek on the outside, but the TRD Pro is unmistakably more aggressive. 

 

Conclusion 

If you’re in the market for an attractive, functional, and reliable midsize pickup, any of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD models will do the trick. Which model is right for you all comes down to your preferred features and the type of activity you will be using the truck for. For more of a hands-on experience, arrange a test drive with our experts at Mount Airy Toyota. We would love to help you on your quest for the perfect pickup in any way we can!