Having a family changes everything, including how we need to drive. You must be extra sure your car is in pristine condition and that you know how to handle the road safely. If you’re a new parent, here are some things you can do to keep your little ones safe while driving.
Ditch the Phone
We all know that texting while driving is dangerous, but you’re almost 25 percent more likely to get into an accident while doing so — that’s a risk you cannot take when you have children in the car. Yet, even hands-free devices pose a threat when you’re behind the wheel. Many of these might be obvious, such as speakerphones or earpiece attachments, but they also include the radio and GPS devices. There is nothing important enough that it cannot wait until you pull over, especially when your little ones depend on you to keep them safe.
Get the Best Insurance
While having a baby won’t necessarily change your insurance rate, you may notice an increase — or decrease — if you purchase a new car. Now is the best time to review your policy and see if you have the coverage your family needs to stay protected. For instance, it’s important to know if your car insurance does or does not cover repairs, auto replacement, or any medical bills that could come with an accident. Most importantly, you must be aware of no-fault laws and whether your state has them. If you live somewhere with fault laws and are judged to be partly responsible, you could end up having to pay a percentage of your own medical bills. So, for instance, if someone else runs a red light and hits your car, you could end up paying thousands if you are found to be even 20 percent responsible.
Stay Focused
It can be difficult to stay focused when we drive, but it’s vital. While we may think that phones are a driver’s main distraction, it could be anything that pulls our eyes away from the road. That might be a billboard, an accident across the median, or any number of things that happen every single day. To stay safe and focused, take steps to limit distractions when driving, such as not eating, never checking maps, and having a passenger text or answer calls for you.
Schedule Maintenance
When your car is up-to-date on its maintenance, it’s safer to drive. Of course, general maintenance can’t account for everything, but a good policy to follow is the 30-60-90 rule. That means getting your mechanic to do a check every 30,000 miles to ensure all engine parts are working well and that your brakes and tires are in reasonable condition. Of course, you may still need to change components such as your windshield wipers, oil, and air filter more frequently, so stay on top of anything that might be overlooked.
Top Up
It’s easy to forget to check your car’s tire pressure, but this is something we must do weekly, if not daily. While you can usually see if your air levels need adjusting, you should use your pressure gauge to ensure your vehicle is at the correct level for the current weather. This is extra important to do during cold temperatures, as your tires will lose pressure and may be more susceptible to damage, increasing your likelihood of an accident. Lastly, don’t forget to regularly check your oil levels. You may not feel comfortable changing the oil yourself, but you can quickly confirm if you need an early change by examining the oil dipstick.
Keep yourself up-to-date on the best safety tips to ensure your family stays secure. Yes, driving is convenient, but it can be dangerous. However, with good insurance and by staying on top of maintenance, you can keep your little ones protected when on the road.
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