Road accidents happen quickly and often, unfortunately. Some are due to reckless driving or an error in judgement - many are simply due to a lack of momentary attention and taking our eyes off the road. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while traveling - especially with children in the car.

1.     Buy the right car seat for your child. Too many parents don’t realize they don’t have the proper car seat for their child’s age and height, which means less protection for that child.

2.     Install car seats properly according to instructions. High-back booster seats are great for cars with no headrests - choose low-backed booster seats if your car has head rests installed. Make sure car seats are installed at the right angle for the proper level as well, and consider child seat belt safety devices.

3.     Make sure kids are strapped into their car seats, even for extremely short trips just down the block. You never know when accidents might happen.

4.     Teach children about safe driving rules. Some kids don’t realize that talking to drivers can be distracting. Others have never been taught to sit properly and quietly while in the car, or why they should do so.

5.     Keep the noise level down. It might be fun to play pop songs to distract kids and keep them somewhat occupied, but if that music is loud, no driver can hear important sounds outside the car.

6.     Train yourself not to twist around to look back at your child. So many parents glance over their shoulder to check on what their child is doing, and that’s seconds of inattention that can cost dearly. Install a safety mirror that lets you glance back at your child without twisting around.

7.     Bring snacks or toys for children when the drive will require some patience. This keeps kids busy - and avoids them trying to get your attention while you’re busy watching the road.

With a little foresight, some discussions with your kids about traveling rules and some insistence about everyone doing their part to be calm and quiet in the car, parents can help make trips with kids a lot easier - and a lot safer.