Driving You Crazy: How To Drive Safely With Kids in the Car

It’s the time of year when many of us are planning on visiting distant relatives, stuffing overfilled suitcases into the back of the car, and planning a long road trip with the little ones in the back seat.

Driving on the roads at this time of year can be stressful enough, but when you have young children in the car, you can add crying, singing, arguing, complaining and a whole lot of other distractions to your stress levels – which might already be peaking – and you haven’t even hit the road yet.

In this post, we’re going to explore some techniques and simple instructions for driving safely with the kids in the car and how you can be less stressed behind the wheel. Read on to find out more.

Make Sure Your Insurance is Up to Date

When it comes to car safety, having the right insurance in place is key. You can’t get on the road without it, and ensuring you have the right policy is essential to keeping those stress levels down. Before you travel, ask yourself if you have the right coverage or if you could save a little money by switching by comparing car insurances online.

We could all benefit from saving a little extra money, especially at this time of year, and having the right policy in place before you travel – and all your insurance documentation means you can hit the road with confidence. You could even add breakdown cover to your policy so you and the kids can still get to your destination. 

Make Sure Car Seats Are Fitted Correctly

There’s nothing more dangerous than a car seat that isn’t fitted correctly. Car seats are designed to protect your children in the event of a collision, so before you hit the road, make sure you test the car seat and ensure it’s fitted properly. If you’re unsure, have a look online for some how-to videos to help you.

Use Backseat Mirrors

If you’re traveling with young children who are rear-facing, then not being able to see them can be a little disconcerting. Installing backseat mirrors can help you keep an eye on them whilst you’re driving, without distracting you from the road. This will also give you peace of mind – as your children may also be able to see you in the mirror!

Remember to Take Plenty of Breaks

You might need to stop for unexpected nappy changes or snack pitstops, or maybe your little ones are feeling unwell – there are a variety of reasons why you might need to pull over more than you planned. However, it’s also important to make regular scheduled stops for yourself, even if that means getting everyone out of the car and taking them into the service station with you whilst you stretch your legs, get a coffee, or use the bathroom, taking plenty of breaks will keep you alert and make the drive more enjoyable for everyone. Even if you are tempted to just drive straight through to your destination.

Final Thoughts…

Traveling with kids is a wonderful experience and exciting for them! While the idea can initially seem daunting, as long as you’re careful, take regular stops, remember your driver training, and prioritize safety, everyone should arrive at the destination safely.