It’s easy to drive yourself to and from work, but a long trip across the state with young children can be challenging. It also can create some risks for drivers. If you are the only adult in the vehicle, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure a safe trip. You do not want to have to file an auto insurance claim for an accident. Instead, consider a few tips to keep things going well.
#1: Ensure Their Needs Are in Hand Before Leaving
When possible, ensure your children are not hungry as soon as they get into the car. Starting off a road trip with children who are hungry means you need to stop frequently. It may also lead to more opportunities for you to dig into a bag to find treats. That creates the risk of distraction and an accident. Though you may still need to provide snacks, get off on the right foot to start.
#2: Choose Appropriate Seats
Did you know that a child that grows out of his or her car seat is no longer safe and protective? Some children also become able to climb out of the seat as they get older. Minimize this risk. Purchase the right size for the size of your child. That’s not necessarily right for their age. Studies also indicate keeping a child rear-facing longer is safer for them. When they are safe, you do not have to worry.
#3: Keep Them Busy
A common problem that leads to car accidents and car insurance claims is driving while distracted. However, you have to pay enough attention to the kids along the way. How can you avoid not focusing on the road with kids?
Keep them busy as well. Choose a few new toys to bring along for the ride. Give them a small bag of crayons and activities to do. The key here is to choose things that will engage the child for several minutes at a time.
#4: Keep Things Organized
Most parents need to turn around and meet the needs of the child from time to time. This is a big risk factor for accidents. Instead, provide a bag or another storage solution next to the child. Make items easy to reach for them, so you do not have to.
It is always important to keep kids safe on these long drives. The best bet in doing so is to have another adult with you.