THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
 When the subject of distracted driving arises, most people think of talking or texting on the phone, fiddling with the radio or setting the GPS. But one of the biggest distractions is the kids in the car with you. If you're planning a road trip with the family, be intentional about keeping kids from becoming a distraction in order to get to your destination safely.
- Set some guidelines with the children before you pull out of the driveway. Let them know ahead of time that you will not be able to do anything but drive, and they need to be prepared for that. You will not be getting them a snack, looking for a CD or dealing with sibling squabbles while you're driving.
- If possible, bring along another adult or older child to help deal with kids in the car.
- With younger children, travel after they've eaten and are ready for a nap.
- Give every older child a bag that they can keep next to them with everything they will need. Books, games, music, movies, snacks and drinks go a long way in keeping kids busy. Keep heavier items in a secure spot like a seatback pocket to keep them from becoming projectiles in the event of a hard stop. Yes, your car may be a mess when you get where you're going, but that's a small problem compared to getting in an accident.
- Be intentional about keeping your eyes on the road. It can be tempting to turn around and try to multi-task, but doing so may have severe consequences.
- If children need attention or are not behaving, simply find a safe spot to pull over and deal with it. Try to find a parking lot or rest area rather than the side of the highway. Yes, it will slow down your progress, but arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Family road trips are a great time to make some memories. You can ensure the memories are positive by taking steps to avoid distracted driving, even with kids in the car.
>Protect your family while on the road. Call Raymond Longoria Insurance at (956) 581-1034 for more information on Laredo auto insurance.
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