There are all sorts of studies out there that inform drivers about the dangers of texting while driving or using a cell phone in the car – and with good reason, because these types of activities can impact your ability to stay alert and look out for dangers on the road. However, as a parent, I also firmly believe that kids often provide an even bigger distraction on a road trip, especially if you’ve got a toddler or other young child whose mobility is limited by a car or booster seat.  While booster seat safety devices are helpful, restrictions caused by car and booster seats may add to a child’s agitation.

In an ideal scenario, you would pull the car over every time your child needs something while you’re driving, whether its a sippy cup full of water or a new toy once the old one loses its allure. Realistically, this just isn’t going to happen – stopping that much could turn a four-hour journey into twice that amount.

In order to be at your safest behind the wheel while still sticking to a fairly realistic travel schedule, you might want to consider the following tips:

• Use older children as much as possible. Putting your eldest child in charge of snacks or toys can not only provide him or her with an activity, but it can also save you from having to reach around to care for a toddler.

• Have your music already lined up. If you have a multi-disc CD player, be sure and load it up with all your music choices before you leave. Otherwise, make sure the music is handy in the passenger seat, so that you don’t have to reach or dig in the car to find it.

• Keep extras of everything. Wet wipes, snacks, drinks, toys, and any other items that make their way from your hands to the backseat should be well-stocked before you leave. Not having to dig for lost items is a great way to keep your attention on the road.

• Set up rules about asking questions or lodging complaints before you leave. Breaking up backseat fights is one of the biggest risks in traveling with kids. Instead of using idle threats (like saying you’ll stop the car if they don’t be quiet), go through with your actions. Actually stop the car or refuse to get in the discussion in the first place.

• Don’t allow any travel toys that involve throwing objects like a ball or frisbee. Any item that might get in the way of your line of vision is too dangerous to take on a car trip.

• Avoid foods and drinks that require heavy clean up or intricate eating. Spill-proof cups and water bottles (even for adults) and snacks that, if spilled, can be cleaned up later are the best options for on-the-road food items.

It’s also important that you take the time to pull over when your kids start getting antsy or irritable (this works for grown-ups, too!). Although your trip might be longer in the end, the safe arrival of your whole family is the best outcome no matter what.