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Backseat Distractions
Parents Don't Really Have Eyes on the Backs of Their Heads
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Seating for Safety
NHTSA recommends that smaller children, younger than age 4, always sit in the back in a car seat or booster seat. This seating arrangement is wonderful for safety, but can add to driver distraction and give rise to chaos. "Some children believe it is their high calling on earth to tease and irritate their siblings," says Spangler. "Since transporting children on luggage racks is considered illegal, and most definitely unsafe, try separating those that fight in the seats as much as possible. Another option is to involve children in a friendly game of counting trucks, memory games or identifying license plates by state. This will put their attention and energy into something other than each other." Oftentimes using your imagination will help find an answer. Distract Them Instead
Perhaps one of the best ways to avoid driver distraction is to prepare. Consider all scenarios before leaving and you will be better prepared. "The best thing to do is consider the condition of your child before you get into the car," says Spangler. "Is he/she tired, hungry, thirsty, needing a restroom break? Is there a chance your child will get hot during the ride and dressed appropriately? How long do you anticipate your journey to be? If your child begins to fidget, is there anything within your reach that might satisfy them?" Find age appropriate games to keep those little minds and hands busy. Hide a couple of safe smaller toys in the car for such emergencies. Choose soothing music. It is true that music soothes the savage beast; it will help to calm and quiet children, too.Want to see more?
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