Things to Do While Driving
Finding things to do while driving is a slippery slope. While you want to keep yourself busy and engaged while driving, you also want to be sure you don’t become distracted. How can you make your driving enjoyable but still be a safe one? Here are some simple tips to help you with winter driving, driving with the kids, and keeping yourself busy.
New Driver – Don’t Be Distracted
As a new driver, your focus and attention should remain on the road. This doesn’t have to be too hard to do since you’re likely already a bit nervous. You can play some music, but keep it low enough that you can hear the people outside including ambulances. Most importantly, keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
Distracted driving is a common cause of vehicle accidents. These create costly car insurance claims and, in some situations, can be dangerous. It is up to you to leave your cell phone out of reach and to avoid having heated arguments with loved ones while you are in the car. Instead, as a new driver, think about your speed, your lane position, and the cars around you.
Safe Driving Tips for Long Trips
For all drivers, long trips can be challenging. Being able to maintain your focus on the road for long periods of time, especially when the scenery isn’t interesting, is hard to do. Safe driving tips should apply here, such as keeping your cell phone out of reach. However, there are a few things that you can do to improve your ability to remain focused.
Consider a podcast or an audio-book read to you on the drive through your vehicle’s navigation system or radio. You may want to choose an album to listen to from your favorite artist to limit the number of times you change the channel. Having someone with you in the car is important for long drives. They can help you by switching spots with you, holding conversations, and even offering tips.
Driving Tips for Kids – Keeping Them Busy
Another common problem occurs with keeping kids busy on the road. Distracted drivers happen here when kids are upset or unable to keep themselves busy. A few driving tips for kids in the car can help. For example, for younger kids, choose a new toy, something that they will like but have not had yet. Encourage them to read books, color, or play with small Lego sets.
For older kids, let them use a tablet for a learning adventure or to watch a movie. You can also encourage these kids to bring along a book to read or to document their journey with photos of what’s happening outside the car’s windows along the way.
The best driving trip for kids is this. Make it an adventure, not just a car ride. That is, help the kids to engage in conversation about the area they are traveling to. They may be able to create a small notebook full of things they see and learn along the way. Not only does this help with engaging the kids and keeping them busy, but it helps the driver to have something to talk about, look for, and create along the way. Along the route, visit a rest stop. There are sure to be fun flyers and information about the community to gather along the way. Do this even when you are just going a few towns over.
Things for the Driver to Have a Safe Drive That’s Still Fun
To have a safe drive that’s still fun, realize that taking a longer trip and not getting there as quickly as possible may be best. Stop along the way to see various sights. You may want to spend some time with a friend that’s home is on the way. A safe drive can also be one of the best experiences if you have the ability to share it with someone else.
Winter Driving Tips for Focus
During the winter months, it becomes critically important to have ample focus on the road. Winter driving tips should always be about doing this. Spotting areas of black ice is important, for example. Make it a point to spot areas where there’s ice buildup. Take the time to avoid areas where snow is built up, taking the long route if you have to do so. To stay focused even when tired while driving on these roads, you need to be dedicated to the process. Avoid distractions in the car and go slower.
Finding things to do to have a safe drive that’s also fun to do can be a part of the challenge. You never want to be too distracted behind the wheel. At the same time, you don’t want to be bored that you become tired. Finding fun ways to enjoy this experience is part of the challenge.
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