Most driving distractions are easily avoidable. A driver looks down to change the radio station when they should have simply set the correct station before leaving the house. A driver takes their cellphone out of their pocket to check their notifications when they should have waited until they arrived at their destination. The accidents that these drivers cause also could have been avoided if they had made better choices.
But parents who are driving in the car may face an unavoidable distraction: Their own children. Many parents report that their children are “demanding passengers,” and this can cause a lot of distractions. Examples include:
- Handing out snacks and drinks
- Solving disputes between siblings
- Picking up items that were dropped on the floor
- Handing out toys or video game systems
- Answering questions
- Fielding requests about music choices or upcoming stops
In short, parents are still parents when they’re in the car. Their children will require a lot of them, and all of these things can pull their attention away from the road.
What should parents do?
It can be helpful to solve some of these potential issues in advance. Before leaving the house, parents should give children snacks, drinks, toys and things of this nature. If parents can anticipate the questions or demands that children have, they can reduce distractions on the road.
Unfortunately, though, there is no guaranteed fix. Children are going to be distracting in the car, and parents who are driving may cause car accidents as a result. If you have been injured in such an accident, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.