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Road Safety Tips for Driving With Kids

Driving with children requires unique safety considerations. Whether you’re doing the morning school run or traveling across the country, these road safety tips for driving with kids can make each journey safer for your little ones.

Car Seat Safety Comes First

Before you get behind the wheel, make sure all children are in proper car seats for their weight, height, and age. Refer to your state’s law on car seat requirements, and check the seat’s user manual for size limits. Children under age two must always be in a rear-facing seat.
 
Follow your car seat’s installation and use instructions closely. Properly secure the car seat tightly with the seatbelt or LATCH system.
 
Remove puffy coats or jackets before buckling up. These can interfere with the car seat’s ability to protect your child in a crash.
 
When it’s time to go, confirm that everyone is wearing a properly fastened seatbelt. If your child’s seat features a harness, adjust it to be snug with the chest clip at the armpit level. For children in booster seats, the lap belt should fit low and snugly over the upper thighs, while the shoulder belt should cross the middle of their shoulder.

Minimize Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. Children can be a particularly distracting presence in the car, but here are ways to reduce the risk:

  • Set ground rules for the car ahead of time, such as no yelling or throwing, and enforce consequences for violating them.
  • Hand out snack, toys, and games before starting your ride so you can avoid reaching for things while driving.
  • Use seatback organizers to store toys and games so children can easily access them without needing your help.
  • Avoid reaching back to pick up dropped items while driving.
  • if you’re riding with another adult or an older child, assign them to help with the little ones’needs,
  • Keep the kids busy with handheld activities to minimize noise.
  • Pull over in a safe area to attend to the kids’ needs or correct their behavior if it requires immediate attention.

Use Extra Caution Around Schools

Driving kids around naturally means you’ll spend more time near schools and parks. Keep the following school zone safety tips in mind:

  • Drive slowly and predictably, and follow the school zone speed limit.
  • Always scan the road for pedestrians.
  • If you notice kids playing or walking near the road, slow down and be prepared to stop abruptly. Kids often make sudden movements and ignore hazards.
  • When school buses are nearby, watch for their stop signs and prepare to stop if necessary.
  • Never pass a bus that’s stopped to load or unload children.
  • Use extra caution when backing up, as children can be difficult to see behind your vehicle
  • Follow the school’s drop-off or pick-up rules for a smoother and safer traffic flow.
  • Avoid loading or unloading children across the street from the school.
  • Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at an intersection.
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
  • Don’t double-park when dropping off kids because it blocks visibility for other children and drivers.

Plan Well for Longer Routes

Before embarking on a long car ride with kids, research your route so you know what to expect. If you’re familiar with the route, you’re less likely to be distracted or overwhelmed. Book hotels in advance and note rest stops.
 
Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, toys, and games to keep your kids occupied. If you have newly potty-trained children, consider packing a portable potty for emergencies, and be prepared to pull over with little warning.
 
Plan breaks at kid-friendly locations to allow for some playtime. Children often get rowdy because they need to move their bodies, so scheduling extended breaks can reduce distractions during driving times. Breaks also allow you to recharge, as driving long distances can be more tiring with kids.
 
Consider building the driving schedule around your child’s nap time. Driving during little ones’ rest periods can make for a more peaceful ride and allow you to focus better on the road.
Above all, be flexible. Your kids may tolerate long periods in the car more or less than you anticipate. If you go into the trip with an open mind, you’ll be in a better headspace to be a safe driver.

Tips for Other Caregivers

Accidents can happen when least expected, even when babysitters or grandparents are behind the wheel with kids. If you’re driving with children as a secondary caregiver, remember these safety tips:

  • Babysitters or nannies should refrain from driving with friends as passengers while on the job. Unnecessary passengers can cause additional distractions. Meanwhile, not getting the parents’ approval for additional passengers could result in liability issues.
  • You might not have kids in your car often, so make sure your vehicle is prepared. Take your time when installing the car seats. Check the passenger seats’ seatbelts to make sure they are functioning correctly. Remove any loose items in the back seat that could become dangerous projectiles if an accident occurs.
  • Talk to the parents before hitting the road, and follow their expectations while driving with their kids. Ask about rules such as car seat safety preferences and whether they’re comfortable giving their kids snacks in the car.

Cordisco & Saile Encourages Road Safety

Children are your most precious cargo. Our road safety tips for driving with kids can minimize the risk of catastrophic accidents, but you can’t control every situation. If you are involved in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers can help you seek the compensation your family deserves. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.