Keeping The Kids Safe On A Road Trip
If there is one thing that every single parent out there can agree on, it’s that the safety of our children is of the highest importance. We are in the middle of a pandemic, and we are caught up in the debate between going on minibreaks, sending them to school, even attending doctor appointments – just in case. We wear colourful masks to make the world a little less scary, and no matter where we go, we are constantly assessing the risks around us. We care about safety, and this extends to the road trip that you have planned for the summer, too.
It’s easy to be on the road as a family when you know how, but the most important thing that you can do is everything to keep your kids safe. You have to make sure that you consider van insurance of the highest calibre while you’re driving. You also have to check out everything on the list below so that you can be ready for anything during your trip.
- Vehicle maintenance is a must if you are going on the road on a trip. You don’t want delays or a breakdown while you’re in the middle of the motorway, no matter where you end up. Having your tires checked is important, as you will also make sure that the tread is perfect for driving.
- Speaking of tires, don’t forget to check the air pressure and ensure that they are perfectly balanced before you head off. This will stop you from skidding if it’s wet outside.
- Did you know that the wiper blades can become ragged from use? If you’re noticing any streaking when they’re working, they need to be replaced. It’s pretty straightforward to do it, but you can always ask a garage to do it for you if you don’t know how to.
- If you’re on the road with kids, it’s a smart thing to do to check the lights are all working correctly. If your plan includes any nighttime driving, make sure that your brake lights and indicators are working as much as your fog lights are. Turn signals need to be in great working order, too.
- Speak to the mechanic about your air conditioning. Summer road trips can get hot and the last thing that you need is hot and sticky – and complaining – children in the car! So, keep it cool and have a backup battery with you – just in case.
- Ensure that you have the right car seats for the children. Extended rear-facing is safest up until they grow out of the ERF seat, and older children need to be in the appropriate seats, too.
- Schedule plenty of rest stops, and not just for the children. You need to make sure that you are awake enough to drive. You cannot drive tired – it’s dangerous and it can be fatal.
- Fill up on coffee and cold water before you go, but no matter how much music you can listen to and how many minutes you have the windows cranked open, you need to stop if you get tired. Road trips are fun, but they’re tough!
