Whether it’s a day trip out, visiting family who live afar or simply running errands, with so many reasons to plan a road trip with a family in tow, it’s important to consider the key factors involved to ensure that your journey is as safe and smooth as possible. Kiddies Kingdom have collated their top 10 tips to tick off in order to help you on your way:

1.Is the car in full working order?

It might go without saying but it’s important that your vehicle is fit to be on the road, especially when travelling long distance. A thorough check of the fluids, petrol, tyres, belts and battery will certify if your car is safe to drive, but if you’re unsure, it’s always best to take your car to a mechanic to have a professional check.

2. Check the car seat

If your child still sits in a car seat or booster seat, you will want to make sure that any equipment is fitted properly within your vehicle. By readjusting or taking the car seat out completely and reinstalling, you will give yourself peace of mind that it is definitely in correct working order. If there is any doubt in your mind that your equipment isn’t quite up to scratch, there are a range of car seats for sale from Kiddies Kingdom that are both easy to install and easily adjustable to your child’s size, so that they are safely secured in their seat.

3. Get a good night’s sleep

If you’re designated driver, having enough sleep the night before the journey is essential. To reduce any possible risk of an accident due to tiredness, you need to ensure that you won’t get drowsy whilst travelling. If you feel yourself getting sleepy on a long drive, it’s advisable to take regular stops, and allow fresh air to circulate within the car.

4. Child locks are on

Travelling with family means travelling with all ages and with that there’s the potential to have the involvement of younger little ones who are notorious for their ability to become extremely restless, and fidgety. To prevent any dangers, make sure your child locks are definitely set to on before setting off on your journey so there’s no potential for any accidentally open the door while you’re on the move.

5. Safety box

If you don’t carry a safety box in your car, before you start your road trip it may be worth creating one. It’s always better to be over prepared and ensuring that you have necessary supplies for all eventualities should bring you comfort and make your life easier if there are any minor travelling problems! Plan to fill your safety box with products such as a first-aid kit, tyre changing tools, a torch, blankets and even water to cover of just some of the basic supplies that could well be beneficial in the case of an emergency.

6. Are your airbags switched on?

Always make sure when getting in your car that your airbags are switched to the suitable setting. In most cases you will always want them to be switched at on, but in some instances if your child is under the age of three and has to sit in the front seat, then you must have their airbag disabled. It’s advisable to check the regulations around this to ensure you are following road safety to the letter.

7. Sit up straight

When travelling, your posture is something that may not originally come to mind but can be a key factor to think about to avoid any aches and pains, especially on longer journeys. By sitting up straight, you not only can support your neck and back, but you should also have the ability to be able to act quicker to any potential hazards around you.

8. Break the trip up

If your road trip requires you to be driving for several hours, it’s important that you break your trip up into smaller, more manageable chunks. You don’t want to get tired or careless as your attention span reduces, and if you’re travelling with family, chances are there will be a need for regular toilet stops! If possible, arrange for the driving to be shared between passengers, to lighten the load on each individual.  

9. Be aware of your surroundings

When driving make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. Watching what other drivers are doing will help reduce the risk of any potential issues. Keeping to code of conduct by regularly doing a full mirror check and often casting your eyes further afield should help you do this.

10. Don’t use your phone

The law on the use of mobile phones while driving was put in place for a reason, so it’s imperative to never use your phone when driving, no matter the circumstance. To ensure this doesn’t happen, make sure you have your phone out of sight, so you won’t get distracted. Not only this, but if for any reason you do in fact require using your phone, stop at an appropriate point within the road, or at a service station should you be on a motorway, and use your phone once the car engine is switched off.

We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Kiddies Kingdom. For more tips, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.