As parents, it can be challenging to drive with your kids in the car. This is especially true if you have toddlers and grade schoolers, who may still be in their hyper-curious, hyperactive phase. While standard lessons often overlook these real-life scenarios, Drive Pro Intensives go beyond typical driving instruction by preparing you for the unique challenges of managing rambunctious young passengers. With the right approach and a few practical tips, you can reduce risks and enjoy a far less stressful driving experience.
Here are a few things that can help ensure your and your children’s safety while travelling by car:
Make Sure Your Car Is in Good Shape
Before you get in the car with your kids, no matter where or how far you’re planning to go, make sure that the vehicle is in good condition first. In fact, this is a crucial safety tip that must be practised whether or not you’re driving with your children.
Prioritise checking the following:
- the battery
- the pressure in the tyres
- all the lights, but most especially the head, tail, and signal lights
- all fluid levels, particularly the oil and water
- the brakes
- the engine
- the fuel tank
If anything is amiss, have them repaired or replaced immediately. For the latter, it’s important to look for a reliable auto parts supplier so you can be sure that the replacement parts you purchase are good quality.
You should also equip your family car for emergencies, meaning spare parts and fluids are always welcome in your trunk. You can easily find cheap 4×4 tyres that ensure better traction especially if you drive in off-road areas. Create a checklist that you can go through before each trip that includes all of these aspects, so you don’t overlook anything.
Pack a Car Emergency Kit
You never know when car emergencies will happen.
Even if your car is in excellent shape, it’s best to be prepared with a complete car emergency kit, including tools like a flashlight, jumper cables, a tyre pressure gauge, a tyre inflator, a portable jack, and emergency triangles, as well as flares. For your phone and other important devices, make sure you have your charging cables and rechargeable battery packs.
You should also research the weather conditions at your destination, as well as the weather along the route. This way, you can pack other necessary items like mud terrain tyres or even snow chains.
In addition, prepare a first aid kit to be ready for health emergencies and small injuries. This should include basics like pain relievers, allergy medications, antiseptic solution, gauze, adhesive bandages, cotton pads and swabs, and face masks. You may also want to bring extra blankets or jackets in case of cold weather.
Use a Child Seat and Buckle Up
It goes without saying that if you want to make sure that your young children are as safe as possible in the car with you, you need to get the best car seat. There are different types and sizes available for kids of different ages; make sure to purchase the right one based on your child’s weight and height.
There’s also a correct way to mount a child car seat. Always take care to follow the instructions that come with your car seat. If you’re not entirely sure how to proceed with the installation or don’t have the necessary tools, some retailers offer installation services for free or for a minimal fee.
Once your children are seated in their car seats, make sure to buckle them up. Wear your seatbelt as well—it’s important to set a good example.
Have a Potty Break Before the Trip
If you have toddlers who haven’t mastered the art of going to the toilet, it’s wise to go for a potty break before you head off to your destination. This will minimise the chances of them feeling the need to go in the middle of the trip.
That said, it’s also best to be prepared for anything. Check the map and locate areas where you can take emergency potty breaks, such as service stations or restaurants with their own bathrooms. For worst-case scenarios, bring extra diapers and baby wipes, as well as plastic bags to keep any soiled items.
Prepare Games and Other “Distractions”
If you’re going on a long trip, your young ones will inevitably get bored and antsy. As such, it’s ideal to prepare simple games for entertainment. Some good examples are I Spy, or even some simple maths games with car licence plates.
For extra-long road trips, don’t be afraid to give your kids a little extra screen time with educational videos or games. You can also try to leave on long trips early in the morning—that way, you can coax your children to take a nap in the car.
It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks along if you’re expecting to drive for hours. For beverages, stick to plain water and try to control portions so they don’t feel the need to go to the bathroom too soon.
Stay Alert
Last, but certainly not least, stay alert. This can be difficult to accomplish, given that you need to pay attention to both the road AND your kids, so it’s best to minimise distractions. If you like listening to music as you drive, try to keep the volume at reasonable levels.
If you have to answer messages or calls, pull over before doing so. It’s also best not to eat or drink while driving. Every second you’re not focused on the road can possibly lead to accidents.
Of course, the ideal scenario is to have another adult minding the children in the backseat. However, if this isn’t possible, do your best to minimise external factors that can divert your attention.
Safe travels!