As a mom, you’re not only looking after yourself but you’re also looking after your little ones. No matter how old your kids are, you’re always thinking about how you can maximize their safety.
Something that can be particularly worrying for moms is driving with young children. You often find yourself taking extra caution on the roads to ensure no harm comes to your little ones.
At the same time, driving with your kids in the backseat can be distracting. In fact, kids are more distracting than using your mobile phone, and this can significantly increase your risk of having a road traffic accident.
Since you can’t put your kids on ‘silent mode’ like you can with your mobile phone, what can you do to ensure you and your little ones stay safe while on the roads? Here are some top tips for mom drivers to relieve your worries and avoid any accidents.
Ensure You Have A Valid Warranty
If you’ve recently bought a second-hand vehicle, it’s likely that it came with a three-month warranty. After this point, the warranty expires and you are longer covered, but most providers offer you the option to extend your warranty.
Your warranty covers the costs of repairs and replacements on your car caused by mechanical or electrical dysfunctions. It doesn’t cover general wear and tear on your vehicle, like problems with the brake pads, clutch, or windscreen wipers.
To keep your car running as smoothly and safely as possible, it’s a good idea to get the best car warranty that you can find. This prevents you from driving around in a vehicle that may have potentially dangerous problems lurking below the hood.
Be Extra Vigilant and Reduce Distractions
Any driver should remain vigilant at all times when on the roads but especially when driving with children. There are hazards everywhere on public roads and highways, and staying alert will help you to avoid these dangers.
Unfortunately, kids provide a lot of distractions. One university study showed that children are 12 times more distracting than mobile phones in the car. Whether they’re screaming in the backseat or trying to mess with the radio, you might find it difficult to concentrate on the road ahead when they’re in the car.
If your kids won’t stay quiet and still, pull over to the side and wait for them to calm down before continuing your journey. This is much safer than turning around while you’re behind the wheel.
Buckle Up Your Children Properly
Car safety begins before you’ve even set off driving. Before you strap yourself in, secure your little ones properly. This includes using the right child’s seat if needed, and installing it correctly in your car.
You should always fasten the seatbelt around your child’s holder or encourage them to put their own seatbelts on if they are old enough to do so. Seatbelts may seem small and insignificant, but they can make the difference between life and death.
Photo by Seb [ P34K ] Hamel on Unsplash
