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Small Distractions, Part 1: Driving Safely When There Are Children In Your Car

In April, we posted several articles about distracted driving. Most of these articles focused on the use of cell phones and texting devices as causes of Missouri distracted driving accidents. However, there are many types of distractions: eating or drinking, checking directions, arguing with a spouse, even changing a radio station can be distractions if they are done while driving. But, many of us regularly deal with an even greater driving distraction, our own children.

I think every parent has driven with children who are crying, whining, fighting or have an issue that demands immediate attention. Just recently, my four-year-old screamed "MOMMY!!!" in an urgent tone from the back seat. I was making a left turn and didn't answer right away, so she screamed even more urgently, "MOMMY!!!"

I finished the turn and, frightened by the scream, I asked, "What's wrong?"

"I saw the letter ‘S'." She yelled.

"Great! Can you find the letter T?"

Young children constantly need something: a tissue, a dropped shoe, a favorite stuffed animal, a snack, or a drink. As parents, our instinct is to attend to our children. But, when we are driving our children really need us to concentrate on the road. How can parents stay focused and keep children happy? Here are four tips from the Lexington County, MO auto accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys.

1. Prepare ahead of time. I suggest limiting food and drinks in the car because of the choking risk. If your child chokes, you may not have time to pullover safely. But, if you feel snacks are a necessity, prepare them ahead of time and put them where they can be easily reached.

Give each child a small backpack of lightweight toys or hang toys on the car seat using plastic toy links. Keep any heavier toys stowed in the seat pockets or they may become projectiles in the event of a crash. My children love small dolls, stuffed animals and finger puppets. If you have a baby who is old enough to grab things, make sure all toys within his reach are choke-proof.

2. Keep your eyes on the road. It only a second for a Missouri traffic accident to occur. If you must see what is going on, pull over.

3. Use your mirrors. You can buy a mirror that attaches to your rearview mirror that lets you see the back seat. If your children are still in rear-facing car seats, you can attach a second mirror to the head restraint which will allow you to see them. Some of these mirrors come with lights, music, toys and other distractions to keep your child happy. Even a simple mirror will let you see your children without turning around. This can give you peace of mind; however, remember to focus on the road.

4. Set rules. Tell your young child that Mommy (or Daddy) has to concentrate on driving in order to keep her safe. Tell her that you love her, but if she needs something, you won't be able to help until you stop.

You can make other rules as necessary. We live near an intersection with very busy street, so one rule is no talking at that intersection. We've made it into a game and the child who can stay quiet the longest wins.

For more tips from our Lexington County, MO auto accident lawyers, see "Small Distractions, Part 2: 5 More Tips For Driving Safely When There Are Children In Your Car".

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