During the bank holidays, lots of families decide to pack their car up for a long weekend away. Whilst most adults are content driving in silence for a few hours, younger passengers can kick off a bit of fuss.
It’s important to find engaging ways to pass the time during the car journey, otherwise you may have to endure a distraction of fuss from the kids. It’s easy to place an iPad in front of them but even Peppa Pig can only be enjoyed for so long.
Children are known to be 12 times more distracting than talking on a mobile phone. Distractions can include turning around to engage in conversation with the child or playing with them. It is important to know the risks when driving with the children and how to minimise them.
Kwik Fit has created an interactive game where you can test how long it takes for you to react to a hazard. This is a great way of testing your reaction time and understanding how easy it is to take your eyes off the road, even if it is for a few seconds.
If you want handy tips on how to keep the little ones entertained and safe during your car journey, then we have come up with 5 of our top ideas on how to do so.
Plan regular stop breaks
It’s very important for the driver to take regular breaks during long journeys to keep good levels of concentration. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes so you can stretch your legs and grab a cup of coffee, this reduces the risk of being distracted on the road as it minimises tiredness. A break for the passengers in the car is a great way to release boredom. For children stopping off at a place with a play area, this is a great way for them to let off some steam.
Bring snacks
You can’t go on a long-distance journey without bringing some goodies on board! It’s a great way to keep children from getting bored but be vigilant as some food can create a lot of mess. So, it’s always best to pack sandwiches in bags and keep a bag on board that can be used as a bin!
Turn up the volume!
Music can create a dull journey into a fun one! Make sure that the music chosen is enjoyed by everyone, even if you have to suffer listening to Baby Shark on repeat just so there is no moaning on board!
Put your seatbelt on
This may seem like an obvious tip, but wearing your seatbelt and making sure the rest of your family has done the same can save lives.
Bring gadgets
For a long journey, a little screen time is a great way to keep the kids engaged. You could download a film or a game that will keep the younger passengers entertained for an hour or so.
It is important when planning a long-distance journey that safety comes first. When traveling with children the risk of being distracted becomes greater so having a plan of things to keep the little ones on board entertained is important!
