Planning a Family Vacation? Here Are Safe Driving Tips When Traveling with Children

Driving with children can be a challenge for you. Children are easily bored and restless, which can disrupt your driving concentration. Your focus will be divided between the road and your child. Therefore, you are required to pay more attention to safety factors, especially when driving with young children. Do you know the safe driving tips with children? Read on for a more detailed explanation in our article.

 

When you have leisure time, you undoubtedly want to spend it with your family or friends. One activity you can do together is visiting the GIIAS 2023 exhibition. In the exhibition, many interesting vehicles will be showcased. Moreover, there is an F&B area that offers various food and beverage vendors you can try with your family. What are the safe driving tips to GIIAS 2023 with your child? Read and follow this article until the end for a complete explanation!

 

Safe Driving Tips with Children

Here are some driving tips with children that you can practice to avoid accidents:

 

1. Ensure the Car is in Prime Condition

Before driving, your car should always be in prime condition to minimize the risk of problems during the journey. Make sure all car components are functioning properly, and the vehicle's tire pressure is sufficient. Regular maintenance can ensure optimal car performance.

 

2. Use Seat Belts

According to the Law No. 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transport, drivers and passengers in the car must wear seat belts. Using seat belts is essential to minimize the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident. Regardless of the distance, you must always use seat belts. Seat belts are crucial for children aged 6 to 13 years. It's best to get them used to wearing seat belts from an early age. The correct way to use seat belts is to fasten them diagonally across the chest and lap, ensuring the ends are locked.

 

3. Use Car Seats

Generally, the seat belts in cars cannot protect the bodies of children under 6 years old. Therefore, it's best to use car seats specially designed for children. Before purchasing a car seat, understand its functions as there are various types of car seats based on a child's weight and age. When using a car seat, make sure the straps are fastened until you hear a clicking sound. This is essential to cushion the impact during collisions. If your child's feet touch the car floor, they may not need a car seat. In that case, use the seat belts provided in the car.

 

4. Pay Attention to the Child's Seating Position

When driving with a child, ensure they are seated in a safe position. It's best for the child to sit in the middle of the car's second-row seats. This helps protect the child in case of front-end collisions. Due to their small size, children can easily be propelled forward and backward during collisions. If your child wants to sit beside the driver's seat, you can tell them they are a special passenger who should occupy the backseat.

 

5. Lock All Doors and Windows

Before driving, make sure all doors and windows are locked. Small children are often curious and cannot stay still inside the car. This can be dangerous if they accidentally pull the door or window handle and expose their head and hands while the car is moving. It's best to use the central lock on the driver's side to prevent children from opening doors without permission.

 

6. Provide Snacks and Toys for the Child

Children can get bored quickly if they have nothing to do in the car. Therefore, always provide snacks, drinks, and toys to keep them engaged during the journey.

 

7. Add Estimated Travel Time

When driving with children, you need patience. There may be times when the child cries or gets fussy. If the child's voice disrupts the driver's concentration, it's best to pull over to calm them down. This often happens with young children, so it's a good idea to add an estimated travel time.

 

8. Follow Traffic Rules

Each traffic rule serves a specific function to ensure driving safety. Observe the maximum speed limit under all circumstances. Even if the road is empty, and you are in a hurry, it is not acceptable to exceed the maximum speed limit. Additionally, maintain a safe distance while driving to allow for extra room when maneuvering.

 

9. Utilize Rest Areas

If you are driving a long distance on a toll road, make use of the rest areas along the way. Don't push yourself to drive when you are tired. Take a break at the rest area to regain your driving concentration. Moreover, rest areas usually provide facilities to buy food, drinks, toys, and even playgrounds for children to eliminate their boredom during the journey.

 

10. Pay Attention to Safety Factors

Avoid factors that can disrupt your driving concentration. For instance, having a baby sitting on your lap in the front seat can distract your driving focus. Babies require high attention, and you may worry and frequently glance sideways. This can be dangerous as you may lose focus on the road. Instead, position the baby in the middle of the car with someone who can take care of them, so you can drive with peace of mind.

 

In addition to the above tips, it is also advisable to avoid excessive use of smartphones while driving. If you need to reply to a message or answer an important call, pull over first. If you need to use a smartphone for navigation, it's best to use a phone holder in your car. Ensure the placement is aligned with your eyes.

 

If you need car rental services in Jakarta, consider renting from MPMRent. MPMRent offers 15,000 vehicle variants for both office and personal needs. Please contact the nearest car rental service in your city.