Have you ever gone for a ride and forgotten to put on your seatbelt because you weren’t going far? You knew that wasn’t for the best, but you did it anyway. When it comes to kids, parents want to see them happy and will do anything to see them smile. However, what makes them joyful now might not be safe for them, so here are some tips to keep your kids safe while driving. Some of these may be met with some resistance, but it will keep them safe, which is the ultimate priority.
- Strap up everyone
This one is about car seats and seatbelts and includes you. Every moment is a teachable one for a child. So, always remember that your kids are watching your every move, and learning from you because you’re the leader. Even if you’re taking them for a drive down the street, observe safety precautions. Buckle up and let them follow suit, and strap up kids who are too old for car seats. Understandably, outfitting every child with their car seat means more money. However, think of what could happen in the case of the unfortunate.
- Automatic may be safer
Consider getting an automatic vehicle, especially if you live in a busy neighbourhood or if you frequent busy areas. This will lessen the amount of manual work you have to do changing gears. You can steer with both hands and focus more on driving. You’ll also have less body pain at the end of the day. With the added responsibility of looking out for your small humans, you can’t afford to only trust other drivers to drive safely. You probably already practice defensive driving but if you’re planning to upgrade or change your vehicle, consider, first, signing up for automatic driving lessons and getting an automatic vehicle.
- No food in the car while driving
Kids can be the worst nightmare to a driving parent. They can throw tantrums and babble unnecessarily, preventing you from concentrating behind the wheel. Fights can also erupt and force you to make an unsafe decision in a bid to regain control of the unpleasant situation. While quieting them down with treats and snacks seems like a viable option, it is best not to. They can have some snacks before you begin driving. However, make sure they are finished up, and packages are put away, all before you take off. Alternatively, you can promise them treats if they are good while you drive as an incentive.
- Pay extra attention to pets
Pets, while helpful, can be an unlikely distraction to even the best driver, and combined with kids, that could be way more than you could handle. If you do need them along on the ride with you, keeping them on a leash will limit the amount of distraction they can cause and tantrum-proof your car as well. The tendency for our animal friends to get over-excited when letting them out of the car can lead to them unintentionally endangering someone. They could also be provoked by another pet, creating otherwise unnecessary drama. So, if you don’t need your pet to come along, it’s best to let them stay home, especially if where you are going has a no-pet policy.
It’s normal to want to let the kids do what they want so you can have your peace of mind. But, sometimes this isn’t actually what’s best for them. You’ll need some sternness to get through to them at first, but with time they’ll know you mean business.
Therese has completed the ‘Advanced Child Car Seat Training Course’ at TRL (Transport Research Lab) and is a CPD accredited car seat expert. She blogs about in-car safety, car seats, tips, reviews, giveaways and advice. She’s a mum on a mission to change the law and raise awareness. She is also a breastfeeding advocate and gentle parenting promoter who loves cloth nappies, baby-wearing, BLW and co-sleeping/bed-sharing.