Car crashes are unpleasant at the best of times. They can be a lot worse. And when you are behind the wheel, it’s easy to forget that your driving habits don’t just impact you, they impact your passengers.
It about more than just staying alert. Although you can’t control how anyone else drives on the road, you can take clear steps to make sure you and your offspring get from here to there safely. Here are a few basics.
A central locking system - meaning one where the driver can lock all doors from their seat, or which locks the car when it goes over 10 MPH – is a must for maximum safety, especially for very young children or those with special needs who do not recognize danger. Practice quickly reaching the lock.
Let the kids know they’ll get a reward if they behave over long journeys, and warn them of consequences of misbehavior. Usually, pulling over and telling them if they don’t cut it out they’ll have to walk home works pretty well. If one child is older than another, assign him or her the responsibility of watching the young ‘uns.
This means securely and properly fastening all harnesses and belts, even on short distances. Pay particular attention to any child in the back middle seat, who can easily become a missile in the event of a crash. And check they are fastened; don’t just trust that they got it right or even did it at all.
Put a sticker with “Kid on board” or similar on your rear bumper.
Hip they are not, but letting other drivers know of your precious cargo via a bumper sticker may get them off your back if they’re trying to turn you into a race car driver while you’re dodging flying ice cream.
Don’t talk on the phone if you have kids in the car.
Not even with ‘hands free’ sets. And if you text it’s ot only criminal, it is insane.
So the kids love playing with Fido. Or you wife loves him on her lap. Or he ‘gets restless’ when he can’t roam about. Dogs roaming the car DEFINITELY distract drivers and are real hazards that cause and complicate crashes. Get real. Don’t risk killing your kids because you want to be nice to the dog.Buy a harness for Fido and hook him up.
If you are stressed or the kids are playing up, book a cab. It costs a little more, but anyone who has tried to do anything while also keeping an eye on a squirming little Napoleon knows what a challenge it is. Treat yourself to a cab now and then, Mom and Dad.