As a responsible driver, you know the dangers of distracted driving. That is why you put away your phone, avoid changing the radio and even stopped eating in the car. But, if you are traveling with small children, you may not realize that attending to your children while driving is another form of distraction. Whether it is soothing an upset child or simply dealing with the chaos that occurs when transporting a few children to and from school or other activities.
No matter where you are going with the kids, your children are likely to need something during the trip or may even engage in an argument with one another while you are driving. By preparing in advance, you can stop all of these distractions before they become a safety concern.
Bring Snacks and Water
A common complaint from children while in the car is that they are hungry or thirsty. To avoid any mood swings or unnecessary conflicts while driving, bring each child the appropriate snack and beverage. You can even have a snack kit placed in your car so that they have snacks and water bottles ready to go each time you drive off. Just make sure foods are not a choking hazard and are easy to eat while on the road.
Have a Car Activity
To keep children occupied – and free from distracting you every five minutes – consider storing car-safe activities in your car. You do not want to have any hard or heavy objects in the vehicle – these could become a safety hazard if you are ever involved in an accident. Some things that are safe enough to bring along include small books, silly putty, travel-sized games, magazines and coloring books.
Allow Screen Time
While you do want to limit how much time your child spends in front of a TV screen, there are also times when safety takes precedence over a little screen time. Let the children play games, or if you have a built-in DVD system, turn on a movie that everyone will enjoy and that will keep them occupied. If you have some children who do not wish to watch it, carry along wireless headphones so that those watching the movie can enjoy it – and no fights will commence over too much talking.
Reward Your Children for Good Car Behavior
If your children are good in the car, reward them at your destination. This will help instill better in-car behaviors in the future when they know that they will be rewarded for not bickering, fighting or even throwing objects while in the car.
Pull Over When Necessary
If you have a child that needs consoling or the distractions are too much, pull over to deal with your children rather than attempting to handle it while driving. Pulling over ensures that you are not distracted, and then you can give your children your full attention.
Cautious Parents Can Still be Involved in an Accident
While you may do everything you can to prevent being involved in an accident, you cannot control other drivers. If you are injured by a distracted driver, contact attorney Doug Horn today. We can assist you with seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering. Call us for a consultation appointment at (816) 795-7500 or fill out an online contact form for more information.
