Having a child in your car while you are driving makes you more likely to be distracted while driving, which increases your chances of being involved in a car accident. Read on to learn five tips that can help you drive more carefully when your child or children are in the car. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you are involved in an accident and require a free legal consultation.
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- Always Think Ahead
Before you take off, think about what you may need to do after you start driving. For example, if there is a snack or toy you know your child will need, then make sure you get it to them before you start driving. If you have something that will need to be handed to them at a later time, have it next to you on the seat. When it is time to hand it out, pull over safely before handing it to them.
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- Do Not React to Non-Emergencies as Though They Are Emergencies
It is common for a child to think a situation is an emergency when it is far from that. It may lead to a tantrum, it may be hard to do, but if it could also literally be the difference between life and death – distracted driving is now the most common cause of fatal car accidents.
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- Pull Over if You Need To
Should you pull over every single time your child has a need or desire they would like you to address? No, but if there is something that seems important enough for you to take your eyes from the road to address it, then it is also important enough for you to pull your car over. We recommend you only do this when necessary and when you can find a safe place to do so, but it can also help train your child not to complain if they do not have an immediate need.
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- Talk to Your Children About the Importance of Child Safety
The truth is that your child may initially feel slighted if you make a change to the way you have been driving with them. However, it is also true that if you simply have an honest conversation with them about why you cannot pull over, it can go a long way. They may not understand the first time but keep explaining it to them. Tell them that you are keeping them safe – and everyone else on the streets safe.
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- Keep Your Eyes on the Road
At the end of the day, it all comes down to one simple step: Keep your eyes on the road. Remember that doing so not only keeps them safer today, but it models good behavior for their own driving journey years down the road. Do not do anything behind the wheel that you would be appalled to find your 16-year-old doing while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, etc.
In the event you are in an accident, the next step is to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free case evaluation and learn more about your options.
