Minimizing driver distraction, keeping the kids happy when roadtripping

“Are we there yet?”

Those four words can break even the toughest of men and women.

But what is the best way to keep your kids entertained while on a road trip this summer?

First, it doesn’t matter if it’s blasting and singing along to a hit song or listening to the kids squabble in the backseat - distracted driving can be dangerous.

“Distracted driving is probably one of the highest for collisions," says

Janet Kent, the centre director for Young Drivers of Canada in St. John’s, N.L.

According to Kent, a person should always do their best to give the road their undivided attention.

“… you need one hundred per cent attention on the road while driving. And having kids in the backseat is a definite distraction,” says Kent.

BEING ORGANIZED

Although it might not always be easy, Kent, who is also a driving instructor, recommends being as organized as possible if you are travelling with kids this summer.

For example, Kent recommends having snacks in small containers that the kids can open so you don't have to hand things back.

She also recommends having a bag for garbage in the backseat so you don't have to take your eyes off the road to reach around and take a wrapper or empty container.

“My kids like to have a little garbage bag to put their wrappers in or have wipes in case they need to wipe their hands,” she says.

Other tips Kent recommends are ensuring whatever your child might need is in reach. If something does fall and they can’t reach it, make sure they understand you have to pull over to grab their toy, book, or other item.

“Making sure that you have those rules ahead of time will assist in how your kids are going to react and respond as you are driving."

The idea of being prepared is something Lunenburg, N.S. mom Kelly Conrad knows well.

Conrad makes sure her daughters have their snacks, books, and toys in hand before pulling out of the driveway. She's also implemented the rule of pulling over if her daughters are being too distracting in the backseat.

“If it's bad enough, I will pull the car over and then they smarten up,” said Conrad.

“They realize mom means business when I pull over and I’ll tell then I can’t focus on the road so I have to pull over and we won't get to where we are going, and we might have to turn around if it's not safe for us to drive."

KEEP THEM BUSY

It's also important to know what will keep your child entertained and ensure they have access to those items.

“Make sure it is something that they enjoy to do. Young kids really like stickers, so maybe have them occupied with that sort of thing - something that is going to keep their minds going.”

She recommends car games as well. Kent recommends playing an alphabet game using signs along the side of the road.

“There's lots of different ways you can engage children that might need a little break from what their normal activities might be in the car," said Kent.

Conrad also uses music and games to keep her daughters occupied. They play games like I Spy, and depending on the season, they will talk about nature and what they see outside in terms of trees, flowers, colours, or whatever else catches their eye.

“The older one can help sing songs, pass her toys, and things like that,” added Conrad.