Family Road Trips: How to Stay Safe and Prepared on the Road
Taking the kids on a summer car adventure is a fun way to make lifelong memories, whether you’re exploring the coast or visiting relatives. Travelling also brings in its fair share of challenges, from unexpected traffic to the classic “Are we there yet?”.
With a bit of preparation, you can alleviate stress and know what to do in the event of an accident.
Get Your Car Ready Before You Go
Taking the time to run a few basic car safety checks in the days leading up to your journey can make it smoother. Check that your tyre tread depth meets the legal limit of 1.6mm with a 20p coin. If you can spot the outer band of the coin, you should take your car to a mechanic to check the tyres.
You should top up your oil, coolant, and screen wash and ensure your lights and indicators are working properly. Ensure that your children’s car seats are securely fitted and age-appropriate to keep them safe in the event of an accident. A poorly installed seat can also invalidate your insurance. Beyond securing your vehicle and passengers, regular maintenance will help it run more efficiently, saving fuel and cutting expenses over the long term.
Plan for Happy, Settled Passengers
One of the biggest challenges parents face when travelling with kids is keeping them comfortable and entertained. Boredom canquickly lead to distraction from the backseat, which affects your concentration on the road.
To keep your kids happy, pack each of them a small bag with their favourite snacks and books. If they have a screen, download a couple of films or episodes of a TV show before you leave to keep them entertained. Plan regular breaks at least every couple of hours at service stations to keep you alert and let everyone stretch their legs and use the bathroom.
Know How to Handle Problems on the Road
Even with the best planning, your car can break down. Try to remain calm and focus on stopping at a safe location, such as the hard shoulder on the motorway. Switch on your hazards and have everyone exit the car from the passenger side before calling your breakdown provider.
If you’re involved in a minor accident, stop the car safely and check for injuries. Exchange details with other drivers, take photos of any damage and road conditions and report the incident to your insurer. You may be entitled to car and taxi passenger accident compensation claims if you or a family member is injured as a passenger due to someone else’s fault.
Encourage a Mindful Approach to Family Travel
Creating a basic pre-trip checklist is a great way to get the kids involved and turn the journey into a shared responsibility. By letting them help pack the car or pick stops to visit on the map, they’re more likely to enjoy their time.
By thinking ahead, you can focus on having a good time while getting to your destination. You’ll be less likely to leave essentials like medicines at home, and you’ll know how to react in a worst-case scenario.