We all love the convenience of owning a car – don’t we? And it can be especially useful when you have a family.
The school run, dropping your kids off at sports practice, taking them to the soft play center – whatever it is. Even everyday activities like shopping can be really difficult when there’s a houseful of you – but no transport.
So we wouldn’t, for a minute, suggest you don’t continue to use yours – just drive safely, that’s all.
So how do you drive safely?
Always wear a seat belt
It goes without saying really, doesn’t it, but seat belts save lives – so make sure you always wear yours. Emphasize their importance to your kids too – and tell them never to share belts between them.
Fortunately, many newer vehicles now come with alarms to warn you if you’ve failed to click on your seatbelt before setting off. But, if yours is not one of those, get into the habit of making it the first thing you do – whenever you get in the car.
Don’t drive too fast…or slow
This is another given really, but never drive too fast – particularly when you have the family on board. The quicker you go, the worse any impact will be if you hit something – and it’s much harder to stay in control.
Stay within the speed limit wherever you are and, conversely, don’t drive really slowly either, if you can help it. This can also be dangerous: try to stick to an average speed and you’ll avoid the risk of causing a pile-up.
And never when you’re tired
It can be difficult, we know – everyone can have a bad night’s sleep but still need to get to work on time. But try as much as you can not to drive when you’re tired – and never at all when you feel slightly drowsy.
It’s a myth that stopping for coffee or rolling down the window to get some air will help bring you around. Don’t ask other people to talk loudly, or play the radio, to try to feel more alert either – it just isn’t safe.
One advantage of having a dashcam fitted in your car is that it can warn you when you start to feel tired. Has another busy person said ‘I’m going to blackboxmycar to you, for example? Now you’ll understand what they meant – and know just how important this is.
Avoid distractions
Of course, we all know you shouldn’t ever use your phone, text, or do anything else that distracts you when driving. But make sure any little ones are also aware that it’s no time for them to make too much noise either. Ask them to stay calm when you’re out in the car – and provide distractions for them like puzzles or books, perhaps.
Always plan ahead
And finally, always try to plan ahead before you set out – whether that’s a short or longer journey. You’re more likely to make mistakes if you feel unsure of the area you’re in or where you’re going, after all.
We hope these few tips have given you something to think about – before you and your family next get into the car. And by taking these bits of advice on board, you and your family will be equipped to always stay safe – out on the road.
