There is a lot to think about when you are a momma looking after the kids, not least making sure that they remain safe. Of course in the modern world, this includes ensuring that the family vehicle you drive is as safe as possible. A topic that you can read more about in my post below.
Not choosing the right vehicle.
First of all, when it comes to driving safely, it’s important to remember that the car that you own has a huge impact. Luckily, many modern vehicles have advanced safety features such as ABS, AEB, FCW, and passenger airbags that can make all the difference if the worst was to occur regarding a crash.
In fact, there are certain makes and models like the Kia Forte Sedan, Hyundai Sonata, and the Honda Civic that rate particularly highly in safety tests because many of these particular features come as standard. Therefore, it’s important to consider these when making your purchase, if you want your journeys to be as safe as possible for the whole family that is.
Forgetting child booster seats.
Forgetting about child safety and booster seats isn’t just a safety no-no, but a legal one as well. This is because children need to be seated in child seats from birth until they are four.
After this time booster seats are required to ensure that the lap belts and positioning are right for maximum safety, should the vehicle you are driving be involved in a crash. Such booster seats should be continued to be used until the child is at least 8 or is taller than 4,’9 too.
Not getting a dash cam.
Dash cams are fantastic for improving the safety for your family car. The first reason for this is that they can actually act as a deterrent for poor driving by other road users, something that can make journeys much safer for your family.
Of course, there are also useful in capturing any dangerous driving by other road users that you are exposed to as well. This footage can be then used by law enforcement, and even your car accident lawyer if you need to make a claim after an accident. Something that can be a highly valuable piece of evidence and help to swing your case in the right direction.
Forgetting to install a parking sensor.
While we often think of crashes and accident happening out on the open road, it can also be a dangerous time when parking and reversing as well. Especially if it’s difficult to see all the around your vehicle. In fact, tragically many children are injured because of this very situation.
To that end, installing parking sensors is something that is always well worth considering when you have young children. Then if they do forget their vehicle safety and run out into your path, you will be able to see them no matter what your natural visibility. Something that could save them from being injured.
Not having a DVD player for the kids.
Now you might think that having DVD players and screen for the kids in the back of the car has nothing to do with safety, and at first glance, you’d be right. However, it can actually be hugely useful because it provides something to keep your little ones entertained during long journeys. This, in turn can improve safety, because they are less likely to need your attention, something that can cause you to take your mind and even eyes off the road.
Therefore installing an entertainment device in your family vehicle for the kids could be said to directly contribute to better driving safety.
Not keeping a USB charger in the car.
Our smartphones and other gadgets have become an embedded part of the whole driving experience. In fact, many us really on our phones to provide us with satellite navigation, roadside assistance, and even entertainment such as music and audio books for longer journeys.
That is why it is so important to have a USB charger in your car at all times. In fact, doing so, and keeping it in a place that is easily accessible is essential because it means you don’t have to root around to find it when your smart device charge falls down to 10% or lower. Something that can mean you end up removing your attention and eye from the road, and could inadvertently cause an accident.
Yes, this is a simple piece of advice, but sometimes it is the most basic things that can help us to remain safe when driving. Something that makes them well worth doing, especially if we regularly have our kids in the car with us.