Moms and dads distracted behind the wheel risk safety of all

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Car Accidents on Friday, March 22, 2013.

We have detailed many behaviors that greatly increase the risk that a driver will be involved in a car accident. Driving safety is critical to avoid injuries for all in Illinois. A negligent driver could be held financially liable for the damages and injuries caused to a victim in a car accident the negligent driver caused in Illinois.

While things like drunk driving, texting while driving and failing to obey traffic laws are all obvious forms of negligence that are dangerous and reckless on the roads, there are other forms of distracted driving that drivers do not immediately consider. In fact, a significant and dangerous cause of distraction for many parents is children. Parents that are more engaged in tending to their children than they are looking at the road are apt to cause a car accident in Illinois.

When a parent in Illinois is driving with children in the car, they are apt to take their eyes of the road to address the needs of the children, break up fights and generally make sure the children are content. There is no way to avoid driving with children in the car in Illinois, but there are manners in which a parent can take definitive steps to engaging in more safety behind the wheel with the children to protect their children’s safety and the safety of others on the road.

The first thing is to communicate expectations around driving to children. Children should be aware that if they drop something, they will have to wait until their parent is no longer driving for them to retrieve the fallen object. Snack bags should be kept close to the driver in the event that the children get cranky and need a snack.

As always, not using a cellphone is imperative, but this applies whether there are children in the vehicle or not. Following these safety tips for Illinois parents will make driving safer on the road for all.

Source: ABC News, “One of the Worst Driving Distractions on the Road: Your Kids,” Paula Faris, March 19, 2013