A family road trip is a great way to bond with your children while also seeing the sights. The presence of kids during a road trip does complicate matters quite a bit, and it’s up to parents to take the proper precautions to ensure the whole family remains safe. In this case, Parents Magazine offers the following advice.
First and foremost, cut back on distractions in your vehicle as much as possible. Keep mobile devices out of reach, only using them when the vehicle is stopped in a safe place. Hands-free devices can also be problematic, as even the act of carrying on a conversation can be a cognitive distraction. You also want to make sure that your children are properly situated in the back seat before taking off for your destination.
Give the back seat the once over before placing your kids there. Remove sharp or otherwise dangerous objects, and make sure hazardous chemicals are stored in the trunk. From here, make sure your children are properly secured. Older kids must wear their seatbelts at all times. Younger kids should be placed into the appropriate car seat depending on their weight and age. If you have child safety locks, make sure they’re properly engaged.
You should also put together an emergency kit before you leave. A kit must contain car care items, like a tire jack, flares, jumper cables, and basic tools. You should also bring a first-aid kit to deal with any injuries along the way. There is a chance that your car could break down, and you may need to wait a while for emergency services to arrive. Make sure you’re stocked with water, snacks, and warm blankets so you’re well-prepared for your wait.