Helping your children realize the value of being safe in the car is imperative to set a foundation of good habits that promote responsibility and vigilance. When you prioritize safety in and around a vehicle, you can feel more confident in your children and their ability to make decisions that will serve to protect them even if they are traveling with friends in New Jersey.
Your children will readily watch what you are doing and are prone to follow your example, which means that your choice to buckle your seatbelt as soon as you get into your vehicle is an important step. The behaviors you do or do not participate in while you are driving are critical when you are teaching your children how to be safe. Refrain from being distracted and especially, using your cell phone. Talk to them about the meaning of various road signs and how their information helps you to make knowledgeable decisions when you are behind the wheel.
According to kidshealth.org, do not be afraid to establish “car rules.” These can be preventative steps against unnecessary hazards. For example, tell your children that they are never allowed to share a seatbelt. Tell them that when they are riding with a friend or family member, they should make sure that buckling their seatbelt is the first thing they do. Teach them about the importance of keeping their voice lowered, not throwing things around or manipulating buttons inside of the vehicle while you are driving. Explain that these kinds of behaviors can be distracting and make it difficult for you to concentrate on driving.
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
