5 Tips for Driving with Children

You can’t help but feel a little nervous when driving with kids. The idea of anything happening to them terrifies you, and you wonder, “How can I keep my child safe in the car?” Fortunately, you can accomplish that task by following some tips. 

1. Take Breaks

When you’re driving with children, you need to take frequent breaks. It’s a good idea to stop for several minutes every two hours. Have the kids walk around to stretch their legs before getting back into the vehicle.

2. Follow Car Seat Rules

Your child needs to use a rear-facing car seat until he or she’s two to four years old. Then, it’s time to transition to a forward-facing car seat. Keep using that car seat until your child is at least five years old. Once he or she outgrows the rear-facing car seat, it’s time to move to a booster seat.

The question is, when can a child stop using a booster seat? The CDC recommends using a booster seat until the seat belt fits as it should. This occurs typically around the age of nine.

3. Make Sure Items in Vehicle are Secure

Secure all the loose items in your vehicle to prevent them from turning into projectiles if you’re in an accident. If you can’t put them in the trunk, you can use cargo anchors to hold them in place. Remember that you can become a projectile if an accident occurs, so make sure you wear your seatbelt. Along with saving your life, wearing your seatbelt could save your child’s, as well.

4. Moving to the Front Seat

You probably wonder, “When can kids sit in the front seat?” That depends on where you live. When kids turn nine, they can move to the front seat. However, some states don’t allow kids to move to the front seat until they reach 13. Know your state laws to ensure you follow the guidelines. 

5. Make Some Ground Rules

You aren’t the only one who needs to follow car safety guidelines. Your kids need some rules, so they don’t shout, fight, or throw objects. The right ones will prevent you from getting distracted and ensure everyone stays safe. Also, have rules in place against unbuckling car seats or seat belts and playing with doors. You might consider a reward for your kids who follow the rules. This will make car rides much more fun. 

Protect Yourself and Your Family

These tips for driving with children will help you keep everyone safe. You can also protect yourself with the right insurance policy. That way, if something does happen on the road, you’ll have the coverage you need. Reach out to a licensed insurance agent to go over your current policy and get quotes for a new one if necessary. 

Another great way to make sure you’re driving safe is by getting a car insurance policy from Vern Fonk. Start your free quote online, over the phone, or at one of our offices near you.