Avoid Cute and Cuddly Distractions

Clark, NJ September 4th 2015 - In 2012 approximately 421,000 people were injured in car accidents involving distracted driving, according to Distraction.gov. (2012 is the last year for which statistics are available.) Cell phones aren’t the only cause of distracted driving. Children and pets also share the blame.

Children
Did you know driving with children is 12 times more dangerous than talking on the phone? A study by the Monash University Accident Research Center in Australia observed that parents with children in the car had their eyes off the road an average of three minutes, 22 seconds during a 16-minute trip, just under a fifth of the time.

Why is driving with children dangerous? Here’s a look at common distractions:

• Turning around to check on kids in the back seat
• Talking with children
• Handing a child food or a drink
• Playing with the child

Pets
Your furry friends can also distract you from the road. In a survey from AAA and Kurgo, a leading manufacturer of pet travel products, 34 percent of respondents admitted to driving with their pet at least once a week, while 65 percent of owners admitted to engaging in at least one potentially distracting activity with the animal in the vehicle. The most common activities drivers admitted to were:

• Petting the animal
• Using hands or arms to hold a pet in place
• Allowing the pet to sit on the driver’s lap
• Feeding the pet or giving it treats

The Solution
Although it may be hard to pull your attention away from your child or pet while you’re driving, doing so is for their own safety and the safety of other drivers. Use these tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Secure children properly in the backseat in a position visible from the rearview mirror.
• Use a pet restraint or carrier.
• Feed children and pets before or after a road trip.
• Give your child activities such as watching a DVD, listening to music or spotting road signs. Your pet might appreciate a toy too.
• Ask passengers to assist you when you need help with a pet or child.
• Talk with children about the importance of not bothering the driver.
• Don’t give in to whining or tantrums—always keep your eyes on the road.
• If you can’t devote your full attention to driving, pull over to a safe area to take care of the issue before continuing your trip.

Find out more information about traveling safely with children in the car.

For information and quotes on insurance coverage, please The Insurance Centers site. Or contact Zita Santos-Martinez at 732-832-4132 for a quote.