If you are planning a road trip with the family this summer, it’s crucial to think about safety. Even the tasks that are essential to getting where you are going could prove dangerous.
Here are some examples of this.
1. Getting comfortable in the car
You can’t drive well if you’re struggling to reach the pedals or your legs are cramped, so you need your seat at the right distance and height. Once you’ve adjusted your seat, you need to set the mirrors to give you the best view possible.
Many people leave these adjustments until they are moving, making them a significant distraction and a possible cause of loss of control. Get your setup dialed before you move off, and if you need to adjust it further, stop in a safe place before doing so.
2. Finding your way
“Honey, can you remember the address of the hotel we’re booked at?” or “Honey, which turn off do we take?” They are the sort of questions drivers often need to ask to get to their destination. Yet such conversations can become distracting, especially if they turn into an argument or the driver then types the answers into the satnav.
Preprogram the route or write out the directions before leaving to minimize the time that navigating distracts from driving.
3. Ensuring your children or pets are safe
“Hey, how did you get out of your harness?” or “I thought I told you to buckle up” is not the sort of conversation to be having on the freeway. Secure pets and children before setting off, provide them with what they need to occupy themselves and schedule regular stops to attend to their needs.
Taking such steps allows you to focus on the road and reduces the chance you are caught out by another driver’s negligence and left needing compensation for you and your family.