Whether you’re a parent, a nanny, or an older sibling, it’s essential to know how to make driving with kids safer. Keep reading this post by Vaughan Distributing in Jackson to learn everything you need to know. 

Driving can be a risky activity as you’re moving at high speeds in a complex machine. Being focused and reacting to sudden changes in the road and environment is essential to staying safe. Things like distractions should be avoided as much as possible, but with kids in the car, it can become much more difficult to pay 100% attention to the road. Keep reading this post to learn how to manage driving with kids while also staying safe on the road.

A well-maintained vehicle is one of the best ways of making driving with kids safer. Call Vaughan Distributing at (307) 413-6480 for information on the best products for your car’s maintenance, or visit AMSOIL's store to place an order today to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Prepare Before Your Drive Off

One thing that’s true for most kids is that they’re unpredictable. That’s why being prepared is the best way to ensure you’ll have a safe and calm driving experience, no matter how long or short your drive will be.

Plan Your Departure and Avoid Rushing

Leaving your house with kids can be pretty chaotic. Rushing is the enemy of a good drive and can make emotions run high and cause you to make bad decisions while driving. That’s why it’s always a good idea to plan your departure with enough time to get everyone into the car and buckled up with as little rushing as possible.

Ensure They’re Buckled Up

Ensuring kids are buckled up properly is essential to keeping them safe when driving. Depending on your child’s age, weight and size, they will either need a car seat or a booster seat to ensure that safety features on your car, like seat belts, are effective and won't hurt them in case of a car crash. Before leaving, ensure everyone is in their seat and ready to go.

Pack Enough Water and Snacks

Depending on the length of your drive, your kids might get thirsty or hungry. Make sure you pack enough water and snacks for the drive length or the errands you’re running. It’s best to keep water in an insulated bottle to ensure it’s still cold when needed. For snacks, make sure to pack their favorite ones, just be aware of choking hazards.

Pack an Emergency Kit

The last preparedness step to take when driving with kids is having different items for different needs. For example, if you’re driving with a baby, you’ll probably need diapers, bottles, and wipes. It’s also a good idea to carry a change of clothes and a small first aid kit in case of any accidents on the road or while running errands.

Ensure your vehicle is in top shape with high-quality products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. Call Vaughan Distributing at (307) 413-6480 to speak to one of their oil experts, or visit AMSOIL's store to place an order.

Tips to Follow While Driving

Stick to Road Signs and Rules

Even if you’re a careful driver, there are some bad habits you might be taking part in. When driving with kids, following all road rules and signs is essential. Also, avoid speeding, driving under the influence, and being overall reckless. This is the best way to prevent being in an accident that could put them in danger.

Have Entertainment On Hand

Being confined to a seat and having little entertainment can make many children uncomfortable and annoyed. That’s why it’s crucial to consider them when planning your drive. If they’re going to be in the car for more than half an hour, it’s a good idea to pack some entertainment like coloring books, car puzzles, and car games. If your car has an entertainment system or if you have a tablet, take their favorite movie with you to keep them entertained for longer.

Vehicle Maintenance for Better Drives

If being in a broken-down car with adults can be stressful, imagine the same scenario but with kids. That’s why vehicle maintenance is vital for driving safely with kids. If you’re planning on a road trip, or even if you’re just running errands and it’s been a while since your last car service appointment, make sure to schedule one as soon as possible to keep your car in top shape.

If you’re looking for excellent products for your engine, call Vaughan Distributing at (307) 413-6480 or browse AMSOIL's store to get to know their full range of products.