Safe driving when you have kids in the car

Whether you're heading out on errands or on a long road trip, having kids in the car can lead to catastrophe. The distractions they create, whether intentional or not, can be downright dangerous.

Out of frustration, drivers may turn away from the road to soothe a screaming baby, or to tell older kids who are fighting to stop. Teenage drivers, meantime, may be tempted to turn away from the road and look back at friends in the back seat. In each instance, a driver taking her eyes off the road for just an instant can result in an accident with fatal consequences.

That's why it's so important for all drivers, especially inexperienced ones, to follow safe driving practices. Whether you've been driving for decades or are a new driver, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Always keep your eyes on the road. Never turn away, no matter what.

2. Always buckle up. They may not be "cool," but seatbelts save lives and they are required in most states.

3. Make the car a no-cell zone. Talking on the phone is a dangerous distraction for drivers of all ages.

4. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol.

These are tips that make good sense for all drivers. But before parents hand the keys over to a teenager, they should set some additional ground rules:

* Discuss when, where, how and with whom your teen is allowed to drive. If you know their friends are rowdy, forbid your teenager from getting into a car with them.

* Limit the number of passengers in the car. Some states actually have laws on the books that restrict the number of passengers that can be in a car driven by someone under the age of 18.

* Set driving-area limits. If your teen wants to travel outside your city or town, require that he or she request your special permission in advance.

* Consider limiting your teen's driving privileges during times when accidents are more likely, like on Friday and Saturday nights.

* Require your teen to participate in the safe driving program offered by your auto insurance company. Not only will participation in the program provide a young driver with excellent safety information, it will likely keep your car insurance costs down as well. Many companies, like Allstate for example, offer discounts to customers who make a conscious effort to drive safely.

Courtesy of ARAcontent