We’ve all read news stories about the hazards of driving while using a mobile phone, but according to the Institute of Advanced Motoring, the most common distraction for drivers is, in fact, having children in the car.
Keeping kids entertained while on the road is not only about making your festive break or trip to visit family over Christmas more pleasant; it is also essential for ensuring your family’s safety. These tips will keep your passengers happy, leaving you to watch the road.
Charge entertainment devices
Avoid tantrums from toddlers and teens, by fully charging any electronic devices – tablets, mobile phones, portable DVD players – that are going to see you through your journey. Ensure no one is left out: it isn’t easy for kids strapped into car seats to share devices and quarrels can get out of control.
Start with the toilet
No matter how much your children tell you they don’t need a wee, get them to at least try before you leave the house. And don’t send them into the car with a two-litre bottle of pop.
Plan regular breaks …
You may have grown up laughing at your parents for their selection of maps with carefully plotted routes and highlighted service stations, but planning regular stops will ensure that your kids get to escape from the back seat for a precious half an hour. Seek out services that have outdoor play areas.
… But expect the unexpected
Build in some time for emergency stops, so that you don’t have to worry about being late to reach your destination. Try not to get cross if your child realises they need a wee when you’ve just passed a service station. Travelling with children will always involve some mini diversions, and they at least give the person driving a short break from concentrating on the road.
Tidy the car before you leave
Keep your vehicle free of distracting clutter – so that you don’t feel squashed and children have room to move their legs and get comfortable.
Travel safely and comfortably
Safety and comfort go a long way in reducing parents’ stress levels, so before setting off check that the child’s car seat is fitted properly, using the car’s seat-anchoring points. Ensure the seatbelt fits snugly against the body and that the airbag is disabled if the child seat is installed in the front passenger seat. Javier Rodriguez, an engineer at the SEAT Technical Centre recommends that the air conditioning temperature is set to a comfortable 22 degrees: “That way children don’t get cold and fuel consumption does not take too big a hit.”
Keep them occupied …
Traditional car games such as I-spy may be less appealing than an addictive app, but you can engage children by asking them to create their own version, such as players having to select something colourful, or from the natural world. Make sure your fellow passengers play along with them – they will appreciate attention.
… But minimise distractions
Portable DVD players and tablets can be a great way of entertaining children, especially if they can operate them without assistance. But make sure your children use headphones, so they don’t distract the driver or cause arguments with siblings.
Use in-car entertainment systems
Audio books are a great way of keeping kids entertained (if you can get them to agree on the story!). If your car has Full Link technology, like the Ateca, then you can simply connect your mobile and play the books through the audio system. Sing-a-long albums are another great way of keeping everyone in a good mood, providing they don’t annoy the person behind the wheel.
Pack some healthy snacks
Giving snacks and drinks is a good distraction for bored children and will stop them getting overtired, but avoid anything that will give them a sugar rush. Fruit and breadsticks are good options, along with water to sip. You could tell them you are saving the treats for when you arrive at the destination, which helps promote good behaviour in the back seat.
Give them an arrival time
While it’s impossible to avoid the “are we there yet” question, giving your passengers a specific timeframe can help. Saying: “We will be there before the end of the movie you’re watching” is more likely to halt the questions than telling them: “It won’t be long now.”
Keep a surprise up your sleeve
If you’re on a long journey, surprise your kids with an activity pack mid-way through the trip: a sticker book, snack and small toy can work wonders in suppressing dissent when you still have a few hours of travelling ahead.
Stay calm, folks
If the passengers in the front of the car are chilled out, then it should rub off on those in the back. Children absorb stress around them so, to avoid arguments about directions and make the mood in the car as light as possible, make use of a satnav system. Many new cars, including the SEAT Ateca, have one fitted as standard.
Make bedtime journey time
Failing all this, if you’re comfortable driving at night and have been well rested through the day, then you can always travel when your children are asleep. That’s one way to ensure you won’t struggle with any backseat distractions.
