When driving with kids, auto insurance is just one of the many things that may cross your mind. The idea of anything happening to them can be terrifying, but there are steps you can take to keep your child safe in the car. By following some tips and making sure you have the right auto insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind when driving with your little ones.
1. Follow Car Seat Protocol
Your child needs to use a rear-facing car seat from ages 2 to 4. It’s then time to transition to a forward-facing car seat until your child is at least five years old. Once he or she outgrows the rear-facing car seat, it’s time to move to a booster seat.
The question is, when can a child stop using a booster seat? The CDC recommends using a booster seat until the seat belt fits as it should. This occurs typically around the age of nine.
2. Transition to the Front Seat
You probably wonder, “When can kids sit in the front seat?” That depends on where you live. In California, kids eight and under must ride in the back. When kids turn nine, they can move to the front seat. However, some states don’t allow kids to move to the front seat until they are 13 years old. Know your state laws to ensure you follow the guidelines.
3. Take Breaks
When you’re driving with children, you need to take frequent breaks. It’s a good idea to stop for several minutes every two hours. Have the kids walk around to stretch their legs before getting back into the vehicle.
4. Secure Items in the Vehicle
Secure all the loose items in your vehicle to prevent them from turning into projectiles if you’re in an accident. If you can’t put them in the trunk, you can use cargo anchors to hold them in place. Remember that you can become a projectile if an accident occurs, so make sure you wear your seatbelt. Along with saving your life, wearing your seatbelt could save your child.
5. Don’t Get Distracted
Whether you’re driving with children or adults, never text and drive. Texting and driving increase your risk of getting in an accident. Remove other distractions also. Being distracted for a mere second puts you at great risk of getting in an accident.
6. Make Some Ground Rules
You aren’t the only one who needs to follow car safety rules for kids. Your kids need some boundaries, as well. The right ground rules will prevent you from getting distracted and ensure everyone stays safe, and your kids don’t shout, fight, or throw objects. Also, have rules in place against unbuckling car seats or seat belts and playing with doors. You might consider a reward for your kids who follow the rules. This will make car rides much more fun.
Are You Protected?
These tips for driving with children will help you keep everyone safe. You can also protect yourself with the right car insurance policy. That way, if something does happen on the road, you’ll have the coverage you need. Reach out to a licensed insurance agent to go over your current policy and get quotes for a new one if necessary.
Get the peace of mind you need for yourself and your family with Freeway’s car insurance coverage. Start your free quote online, over the phone, or at one of our offices near you.
