Driving is a major part of today’s culture. Whether you have kids or not, driving can be dangerous and unpredictable if you don’t follow some simple rules. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when driving with your kids.
1. Ridesharing Services
Ridesharing services are rapidly becoming more and more popular. Services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative to driving yourself around with your children. Even though they might seem convenient, it is suggested that car accidents are increasing as the number of these services grows.
As mentioned at https://www.davidchristensenlaw.com/ann-arbor-personal-injury-lawyer/traffic-collision/rideshare/, increased number of rideshare vehicles on the roads may explain a two to three percent increase in traffic deaths since 2011. So next time you think about taking an Uber, Lyft, or any of the other ridesharing services, you might want to think twice.
2. Seatbelt Safety
When driving with kids in the back seat, it is extremely important that all passengers have a proper and functioning safety belt. Seatbelts have been proven to save lives, especially in high-speed collisions.
Also, seatbelts can affect your child’s safety, even if they are buckled in the front seat with an airbag. Airbags can cause serious injuries to children, which is why it is more than important that they sit in the backseat properly fastened into place.
3. No Distractions
If you are driving with kids in the car, it is necessary that you don’t allow yourself to get distracted. That means no eating or drinking while behind the wheel and especially no phone use! One of the biggest causes of child fatalities on the road comes from distracted drivers.
Of course, it can be hard not to answer a quick text or phone call, but if it could save the life of your child, you should make an effort to put down your phone. Also, never drive intoxicated or while sleepy. It is important to get enough sleep before driving so that you are not falling asleep at the wheel.
4. Keeping Your Kids Occupied
Driving with children is all about keeping them occupied and prevented from distracting you. This can be difficult especially when young kids are involved, but it is essential that you keep your eye on the road the whole time.
One idea is to have toys or other entertaining items for your children in an easily accessible place so that they can play quietly while you are driving. If your kids are old enough to watch a movie on their own screens, this could be helpful because it keeps them entertained and acts as a distraction.
5. Speed Limit Rules
One of the most important rules to remember when driving with your kids is that you have to obey the speed limit. Although this should be obeyed at all times, it is especially important when you’re driving with kids. If you are going too fast, it won’t matter if you are following all of the other safety guidelines above because an accident could happen in seconds.
Always watch how fast you are going, don’t drive aggressively by braking and accelerating aggressively, and don’t speed. Also, always use your turn signals to let other drivers know where you are headed. Even if you’re turning into an empty parking lot, it is important that other cars know what you’re doing so that they don’t crash into you.
6. Child Safety Lock
It is extremely critical that you keep your kids safe and secure in the car. Not only will this help prevent them from distracting you and also keep everyone at a good speed, but it will also ensure their safety.
Door locks are now being made with child safety locks on the back doors so that if your kids are in the backseat, they can’t open the door and potentially fall out of the car or get hurt. This is an important feature because many kids may want to open the door and get out of the vehicle, but if they are locked in properly, they won’t be able to.
Driving with children may seem like an easy task, but there are many rules that you need to follow. If you break any of these guidelines, it could lead to a serious accident. Luckily, safety features in cars today make driving with kids much safer than ever before.
One way is by installing child locks on the back doors so your little ones can’t open them while they’re locked inside safely and securely. When it comes time for your next road trip or family outing, be sure to keep all of these safe driving tips in mind!