Top tips for surviving a long car journey with children
#AD – this is a collaborative post
Going on a long car journey with children in the back seat can be hard work.
Whether you are driving to go on holiday or taking a road trip across the UK, making sure your children are entertained and occupied for more than two to three hours can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why we’re sharing our tips for keeping children happy on long car journeys, and ensuring you survive and arrive at your destination safely.
Check the car
Before setting off, make sure your car is prepared for the long journey. Check to see if you have enough oil, coolant and water in your car, and plenty of fuel to get you to your destination. Ensure your tyres are roadworthy by making sure they are inflated to the correct pressure and are the right tread depth to avoid an accident.
Plan ahead
If you have young children in the car, you may need to stop frequently to break up the journey. Plan your route so you know where to stop, including where the service stations are on the motorway. You should also check to see if there are any incidents you should avoid to prevent adding extra time onto your journey.
Use car seats
Using a child car seat is a legal requirement in the UK. The law says that children under the age of 12 years old or height of 135cm, should use a car seat. Children under the age of four should sit in a rear facing seat, while children between the ages of 4-12 should sit in a booster seat. You should also ensure the car seats are fitted correctly and are secure. No matter what age they are, all car passengers should wear a seat belt – including the adults.
Take an emergency pack
Blankets, change of clothes, water and a first aid kit are all things you should pack in case you have an accident or the car breaks down. Remember to take drinks and snacks to keep children fuelled for the entire journey, and avoid taking anything that is going to cause a mess in the back of your car and distract the driver.
Entertain your children
Multi-tasking and talking to other passengers in the car are some of the main distractions for drivers and the cause of accidents, so
it’s important to make sure your children are entertained and occupied for the entire journey. You could play child-friendly audiobooks in the car, or games like I-spy for the whole family to participate in. You can keep children entertained by giving them toys and books to play with – although choose wisely so they don’t involve the driver having to take their eyes off the road.
Time your journey
If you’re planning a long car journey with children, it might be worth trying to fit it into their sleep routine. If you time it well, you may be able to travel during their nap time. Not only will this provide peace and quiet in the car, but it will also mean the driver can concentrate fully on the road.
These are just a few of our tips for surviving long car journeys with children, and for ensuring you have everything you need in case of
an accident. What are your tips for surviving a long car journey with children?
Thompsons Solicitors is the leading personal injury law firm in the UK. They have a team of specialist road traffic accident solicitors who support road accident victims and help to promote the importance of road safety.
