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The Monash University Accident Research Centre released a study that indicates Australian drivers spend almost 20 percent of their drive time distracted by children. Although no other country-specific study exists, I have no doubt that parents of other countries also have this bad habit.
We've all done it: Even we parents who are really good about not answering our cell phones while driving have reached back to push some dirty sneakers off our seats or open a snack or help with a fallen toy.
And we need to stop. Since my son was very little, I've made a habit of asking him if everyone was buckled up for safety before starting the car. But, from now on, I am going to add this to my speech:
Is everyone buckled up for safety? Great! Remember that while the car is moving, Mommy needs to keep her eyes on the road. That means that if you need help with something, you'll have to wait until I can stop the car first. This is to keep us safe on the road and other cars safe, too.Cheesy? Probably. But maybe my saying it will remind both him and me that in our family, safety comes first.
Hopefully you've never had an accident from distracted driving, but please feel free to confess your bad car habits in the comments. (We won't judge you.)
parents spent almost 20 percent of their journey turning around or looking in the rear-view mirror to check on the kids
Read more at http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5344/20131104/children-distractions-drivers-mobile-phones-monash-university-accident-research-centre-motorists.htm#0p37pOFbMRpXvcb1.99
Read more at http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5344/20131104/children-distractions-drivers-mobile-phones-monash-university-accident-research-centre-motorists.htm#0p37pOFbMRpXvcb1.99
parents spent almost 20 percent of their journey turning around or looking in the rear-view mirror to check on the kids
Read more at http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5344/20131104/children-distractions-drivers-mobile-phones-monash-university-accident-research-centre-motorists.htm#0p37pOFbMRpXvcb1.99
Read more at http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5344/20131104/children-distractions-drivers-mobile-phones-monash-university-accident-research-centre-motorists.htm#0p37pOFbMRpXvcb1.99
Lauren - you are SO right about the safety aspect of having kids in the car. My biggest fear is when I back out of the driveway to leave for work. The kids want to stand on the sidewalk and wave - and I make them stand so I can see watch them the entire time.
ReplyDeleteMy confession... I eat, drink Starbucks AND talk on the phone - all at the same time when I am driving to work... NOT the right kind of multi tasking!
Admitting it is the first step, right?
DeleteI think it is ridiculously sweet that your children want to wave good-bye to you in the morning!