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Tips for Reducing Distractions With Children in the Car

September is Child Passenger Safety Awareness Month, an important time to focus on the special precautions necessary when driving with children. While most car trips end safely, a momentary distraction can turn dangerous, as when parents take their focus off the road to attend to their children. In 2021, 3,679 children under 14 were injured in Missouri traffic accidents, and another 28 lost their lives.

In addition to our guide to driving safely with children, we offer some tips below for managing distractions and keeping kids entertained and safe in the car. 

Safety Talks

Before any journey, talk with your children about car safety and etiquette. Explain the importance of staying seated, fastening seat belts, and maintaining a reasonable noise level. Consider creating a chart with car rules like:

  • Always wear your seat belt
  • Use indoor voices
  • Keep hands and feet to yourself
  • Ask for help if you need something

Reinforce good behavior with praise or small rewards, or use a point system where kids earn treats or privileges for following the rules. Involving your children in the safety process reduces distractions and makes car trips more enjoyable for everyone.

Keeping Kids Entertained

Research shows that boredom can lead to disruptive behavior in children and teens. Keeping them entertained can minimize distractions, helping you focus on the road.

  • Entertainment for Younger Children: Bring soft toys, board books, or sing-along CDs. Tactile toys like fidget spinners or stress balls can keep their hands busy and attention occupied.
  • Options for Older Kids: Provide activity books, handheld games (with the sound off), or audiobooks. Travel-sized versions of popular board games or puzzles can also keep them engaged.
  • Use Technology: Invest in a tablet holder for hands-free viewing of pre-downloaded movies or educational content. Download the content before the trip to avoid streaming issues.
  • Excitement for Longer Trips: Pack a surprise bag with new small toys or activities to reveal at intervals, keeping excitement and engagement high throughout the journey.

Making Regular Stops

Plan for breaks every 1-2 hours, especially on longer trips. Regular stops allow everyone to stretch, use the restroom, and release pent-up energy. Missouri’s rest areas and welcome centers provide safe places to stop. Use this time to address your children’s needs, reducing the likelihood of urgent requests while driving.

Create a fun stretch routine that everyone can do together during stops. Your stretches can include simple exercises like jumping jacks, arm circles, or toe touches. Not only does this help with physical comfort, but it can also be a bonding experience and something for kids to look forward to during the trip.

Snack Smart

Hunger can lead to crankiness and distraction. Pack mess-free snacks in spill-proof containers, such as:

  • Pre-cut fruits or vegetables
  • Cheese sticks or cubed cheese
  • Granola bars or trail mix
  • Sandwiches cut into small, bite-sized portions
  • Dry cereal or pretzels in snack-sized bags

Skip sugary snacks to avoid hyperactivity. In addition, keep a small trash bag for easy cleanup. Use a cooler with ice packs to keep snacks fresh for longer trips, and pack wet wipes for quick cleanups.

Organize the Car

An organized car can prevent many distractions. Use backseat organizers to keep essentials within easy reach for your children. This minimizes reaching and searching while driving.

Stock the organizers with:

  • Tissues and wet wipes
  • Small toys or books
  • Snacks and spill-proof water bottles
  • A small first-aid kit for minor emergencies
  • A change of clothes for each child (useful for spills or accidents)

Get Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident

Implement these strategies to create a safer, more enjoyable driving environment for your family. However, accidents can still happen despite your best efforts. If you’ve been in a collision caused by a distracted driver, contact the Missouri car accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley.

With extensive knowledge of Missouri’s traffic laws, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review and legal guidance.