5 Safe Driving Tips for Moms
Taking control of the wheels. Pic by author
Many moms spend hours each day driving their children to and from school, playdates and appointments. Even the best drivers can struggle to stay focused and safe with children in the backseat. Whether you have one new baby in the back or three siblings constantly talking and arguing, these helpful driving tips can help you keep your eyes on the road and avoid accidents.
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Stay Off the Phone
With so much going on in the life of an average mother, time spent in the car might seem like the perfect time to catch up over the phone or organize your next event. However, phones can making driving infinitely more dangerous. Add in the added distraction of having young children in the car and a simple act like talking on the phone becomes more dangerous. If you absolutely must use the phone while driving, invest in a hands-free headset to use in the car.
Pull Over to Punish
It certainly takes a lot of willpower not to raise your voice when rowdy children act up in the backseat. Long car journeys can make children restless or bored, causing them to act you whether they are alone or with siblings. Instead of yelling, which only raises your own anxiety and makes you more prone to accidents, stop and pull over if you need to punish or scold your children.
Pack Snacks
This will be helpful not just for the children, but for moms too. With lots of running around each day, it might not be until you sit down and sit still in the driver’s seat that you realize you are actually quite hungry. Bring along a granola or snack bar to eat without mess in the car, and make sure you pack along a few treats for the children as well. Crackers, cut of vegetables and raisins all make great portable snacks for any age group.
Set Rules
For children over the age of 3, you can begin setting rules for car journeys both short and long. Start by letting them know there are no unplanned stops, and then add in rules like no yelling and no taking off their seatbelts. If they break the rules, wait until you get home to punish them. Or, pull over immediately and refuse to continue driving until they strap back into their seats or change their behavior.
Tie Toys to the Car Seat
Many moms get in accidents because their babies and toddlers drop toys onto the floor while in the backseat. This forces moms to reach back and find the lost sippy cup, pacifier or toy. Unfortunately, this can lead you to remove your eyes from the road and end up in an accident. Tie important items to the car seat with a soft ribbon so they won’t get lost.
With these 5 great tips it can be easier for moms to stay safe and focused on the road and avoid accidents with their children in the backseat.
About the author: Insurance consultant Charlie Sullivan writes for autoinsurance.info, where you can research everything from Georgia Auto Insurance Companies to the cheapest Wisconsin Car Insurance Quotes.
