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Last updated on May 16th, 2022 at 06:59 pm
Are you planning a road trip with your kids? When you have children, you know your life changes in every way. How you think about safety and how you drive are a couple of those ways. Suddenly, you have to worry about not only yourself, but also your little ones. Road safety is always important, but it feels even more critical when driving with kids. Let’s discuss some of the top safety tips that you need to follow when your kids are along for the ride.
Top Safety Tips to Follow When Driving With Kids
Always Drive at a Safe Speed
Speed limits are in place for a reason. They are designed to keep everyone on the road safe. When driving with kids, of course you want to drive at a safe speed. This means obeying the posted speed limit and driving according to the road conditions. When it’s foggy, raining, or snowing, take extra precautions and slow down to ensure that you don’t lose control of your vehicle.
Driving at recommended speeds keeps you and your children safe and reduces the risk of getting involved in an accident. It is important to learn more about car accidents and how you can avoid them. And no one wants a speeding ticket either. They’re expensive, and certainly not work the risk just because you’re in a hurry.
And, don’t we all want to set a good example for our children by obeying the posted speed limits? After all, it’s what we’ll be hoping they do when the time comes for them to start driving.
Buckle Up
This is probably the most important safety tip on this list. Always make sure that everyone in the car is buckled up before you start driving. This includes your kids and any other passengers in the vehicle. If you have young children, ensure that you install the proper car seat for their age and size.
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe while driving. Seat belts help keep you in your seat during an accident and prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle. They also help distribute the force of a collision evenly throughout your body, reducing the risk of serious injuries. So, make sure that everyone in the car is buckled up before you start driving. It could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Don’t Drive Distracted
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. When you’re driving with kids, they can definitely become a distraction, but you must keep your focus on the road. If your children are crying or upset, it’s best to find a place to pull off the road to attend to them.
It should go without saying that you should also put away your phone and other devices that could take your attention away from the road. If you need to use your phone, pull over to the side of the road and stop the car before using it.
There are other distractions that can be a problem while driving too. This includes eating, drinking, talking to passengers, and looking at maps. If you’re distracted, you are more likely to make a mistake while driving. No distraction is worth causing an accident.
Take Breaks
When driving with kids, it is important to take breaks often. This is especially true if you are going on a long road trip. Kids can get fussy and restless when they are in the car for a long time, distracting the driver. To avoid this, take breaks often so that everyone can stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
If possible, plan your route to know where the best places to stop are. This will make it easier to find a safe place to park and take a break. When taking a break, make sure that everyone in the car stays close to the vehicle. This will help to keep everyone safe and prevent anyone from wandering off.
Have a Child Restraint System
If you have small kids, it is important to have the correct child restraint system in your car for your child’s age and weight. This could be a car seat, booster seat, or another safety device. Child restraint systems are designed to protect small children in an accident. They help keep the child in their seat and prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle.
Child restraint systems are required by law in many states, so it is important to ensure that you have one in your car. If you don’t have a child restraint system, you could be fined or arrested. So, make sure that you have the proper safety devices for your kids before driving.
Activate the Child Safety Locks
If you have small children, be sure to activate the child safety locks on your car. This is one of those tips for traveling with kids that you might not think of. It’s important though, since it will prevent them from opening the doors while you’re driving. Child safety locks are usually located on the rear doors of a car. Push the button, or turn the knob to the “on” position to activate them.
The child safety locks will prevent children from opening the doors while you are driving. However, they will not prevent them from unbuckling their seatbelts and standing up. So, it is still important to keep an eye on your kids while driving.
Never Let Kids Play Around Parked Cars
When you make stops along the way, it is important to keep an eye on your kids. Kids can get excited when they stop at a rest area or take a fast food break. They may want to run around and explore. However, it is important to make sure that they stay close to the car.
If possible, park in a well-lit area. And, of course, never leave children alone in the car. If you are traveling with two adults, take turns going into a store if you will not be bringing the children in with you. If you’re alone with your kids, even if you have to wake them, don’t leave them alone in the car while you “just run in” to the store or go inside to pay for gas.
These are just a few safety tips that you need to follow when driving with kids. By following these tips, you can help to keep your children (and yourself) safe and prevent accidents.
Do you have any more ideas about ways to stay safe when driving with kids? Leave us a comment below.
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Penny Branson LeBaron
Thanks! These are so important to remember, especially the not driving distracted. When traveling with kids it is easy to get distracted!