Driving with children in a car can be challenging. While parents drive, children can unintentionally create distractions that increase the risk of accidents.
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What Kinds of Distractions Do Children Often Cause?
Children, especially young ones, require attention and care, even while parents are driving. This need for attention can divert the driver’s focus from the road, where it should be.
These are some of the most common child distractions for drivers to watch for:
Tending to Each Child’s Needs
Young children might need help with seatbelts, toys or comfort items like teddy bears. They may also need assistance with their clothing. For example, they could need help putting on their jacket or hat. These activities can take a parent’s attention off the road, which could lead to a crash.
Checking the Rearview Mirrors
Parents often check the rearview mirror to monitor their children. This is especially true if they are driving with small children who do not know how to talk. Parents also check the rearview mirror to see if their children are crying, laughing or arguing.
Although it is natural for parents to want to check their child’s well-being, this habit can distract them from the road and cause them to miss hazards ahead. If they take their eyes off the road for a split second, they may have to come to a sudden stop to avoid hitting another vehicle. Unfortunately, the time drivers lose by glancing at the mirror can prevent them from avoiding a rear-end crash.
Settling Disputes Between Siblings
Sibling rivalry can start outside the car and continue throughout the trip. Arguments or fights between siblings can be especially distracting to parents, particularly when they attempt to stop the conflict.
Parents who attempt to mediate an argument could do the following:
- Turn their head around to address the argument
- Reach back to separate their children
- Raise their voice and get distracted
- Ignore traffic signals or signs
Passing Food or Items to Children
Children may want snacks while parents drive them to school or after a long workday. As a result, parents may have to pass juice, chips, or cookies to their children in the back seat.
Reaching for items in the car, turning around or taking a hand off the wheel to pass something to a child can easily lead to losing control of the vehicle. These actions may seem quick and harmless but can have severe consequences if they occur at the wrong moment.
What Can Parents Do to Avoid Distractions?
Distractions are bound to happen while parents are driving with their children. However, parents need to stay proactive to minimize these distractions and improve safety on the road.
Here are some strategies that can help you reduce distractions:
Prepare Before You Start Driving
Before driving, ensure your children are comfortable and have everything they need. Ask them if they need to use the bathroom.
You can also:
- Adjust their seatbelts
- Have their toys and snacks ready
- Put their drinks within reach
Overall, you want to address any issues they may have to help you eliminate potential distractions.
Set Ground Rules for Behavior
Establish rules for behavior in the car and ensure your children understand them. Explain to them the importance of staying quiet and calm while you are driving. If necessary, enforce consequences for breaking the rules.
The main goal is to create a calm environment that is not distracting because of arguments or misbehavior.
Take Breaks on Long Trips
If you are on a long road trip, take breaks when you notice your children are irritated with from being in the car for a while. Use breaks to give your children snacks, resolve disputes and let your children stretch.
Invest in Safety Tools
Think about investing in tools that help manage in-car distractions. For instance, baby mirrors that allow you to see your children without turning could be a good investment.
Keep your backseat organized with various compartments that are easily accessible for your children. This can reduce the need for them to ask for items while you are driving. For example, you can invest in a portable cup holder for the back seat of your car.
Stay Calm and Focused
If distractions do happen, try to stay calm and avoid reacting immediately. Pulling over to a safe location can be beneficial if you need to address an urgent issue. This approach ensures your attention is entirely on the road when the vehicle is in motion.
Seek Passenger Help if Possible
If you have another passenger in the car, see if they can help you manage your children, especially if multiple children are in the car. This can be particularly useful on longer trips, where one person can focus on the road while another handles any issues with children.
Contact Galloway Jefcoat After a Lafayette Car Crash
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident due to a distracted driver, do not hesitate to call Galloway Jefcoat. Our attorneys are here to support you throughout the legal process and have decades of experience with car accident cases.
Schedule a free consultation with our firm to determine if you have a case.
Call 337-984-8020 to speak to one of our attorneys.