Make your road trip easier this holiday

MANY people will be taking to the roads this holiday, making their way to friends, family or that special getaway spot, with the whole family in the car.

For those travelling with young children, the journey can be quite challenging. While some children love being in the car, others simply hate having to sit still for any length of time, and will make it known that they want to reach the destination soon. Does the phrase “Are we there yet?” sound familiar?

Below are some tips for making the car journey with infants and young children safer and easier.

Buckle up

12 months of age and was more common in boys than girls. Of the children self-unbuckling, 43 percent did so while the car was in motion,” according to the above-mentioned study.

Head of MiWay Blink Keletso Mpisane tips: “Always make sure that the child lock feature on your doors is on. This, however, does not cancel out all the safety risks as fidgeting can distract the driver.

“Some possible strategies to manage children’s behaviour when travelling are letting children fidget in harmless ways, such as using squeeze balls and appropriate toys, and giving children short breaks from travelling to move around and release their energy is advisable.

“Use positive reinforcement and praise when children stay buckled and calm, explaining the importance of automotive restraints and the consequences of self-unbuckling to the children,” adds the mother of two.

A joyful journey

Remember that the journey can be as exciting as the destination, so consider some of the tips below to keep the young ones engaged and occupied on the trip:

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games: Play Safety for all

Last but not least, make sure you check on the condition of your car before heading out.

If you are travelling, it may be worth having your vehicle checked by a professional.

Make sure you pack a fire extinguisher, small first aid kit and drinking water.

Mpisane says: “Have a map or GPS ready and plan your route out in detail, aim to break up the journey into smaller segments and plan frequent stops at interesting places to refresh the children’s minds and to beat travel fatigue.

Children need to stretch their legs, run around and burn off some energy”, she adds.

A safe journey is a happy one. As such, make sure never to compromise on safety. — IOL

Picture books and toys are a great way of keeping young children entertained, so make sure you pack a variety