Distracted driving is a bad habit for many travelers. It seems like we never take enough time to prepare for our activities. Operating a vehicle with other things occupying your focus or your mind is bad enough. What’s even worse is driving in a distracted state with children. Springer & Lyle has experience dealing with personal injury cases due to distracted driving. From what we’ve observed, here are some tips to avoid driving distracted with children.
Prepare for your Day Before Getting in the Vehicle
The car is not the place to hand out breakfast, review homework, or style your children’s hair. Between the night before and that morning, you must make time to take care of things that require your focus. Even if you’re not looking away, taking your hands from the wheel or focusing on other activities is still distracted driving. Avoid activities you should do at home.
Never Take your Eyes Off the Road
Many drivers are guilty of turning around to look in the back of their vehicle. Some even reach back to pass or grab things. It only takes a split second for someone to turn in front of you or for you to veer off the road. That’s why you should avoid taking your eyes off the road. Don’t even make eye contact with passengers. It’s hard with small children and babies, but it’s worth waiting until you’re at a safe stopping point.
Talk to your Kids about Expected Behavior in the Vehicle
Even the most well-mannered children have their moments of misbehavior. The car is not one of the times they should choose to have a moment. Arguing or even tussling can be a huge distraction to you or other drivers on the road. What’s worse is that you won’t even know what happened in a car accident if you were breaking up a fight.
Kids won’t know how important undistracted driving is unless you explain it to them. Have a talk with them about what could happen with distracted driving. Let them know your expectations and tell them how much you’re counting on them to help you keep everyone safe.
Are you a victim of distracted driving with children?
The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.
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