Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous practices happening on the roads. Whether motorists are talking on cellphones, looking up directions or even struggling to find a suitable song on the radio, they often engage in activities that take their eyes and attention off the road. Recent studies show that one occurrence may be more dangerous than others, however: driving with children. <\/p>\n
The Monash University Accident Research Center in Australia recently conducted a study to see how distracted drivers get when they have their kids in the backseat. After monitoring a dozen families for several weeks, the researchers found that driving with children in the car was 12 times more dangerous than using a cellphone behind the wheel. Parents frequently watched kids playing in the rearview mirror, turned to pass toys or snacks, engaged in conversation or attempted to play with children.<\/p>\n
All of these seemingly harmless acts led to a driver taking his or her eyes off the road for a significant amount of time. During a normal 16-minute drive, parents were not focused on the road for approximately three and a half minutes. <\/p>\n
To cut down on the distraction children pose to drivers, many families look for vehicles that have features even the youngest passengers can appreciate. Infotainment systems with DVD players and viewing screens are a popular option for many, as it aids motorists in keeping kids occupied. Similarly, having a vehicle with excess storage space in convenient locations is also helpful. These compartments can be used to store toys, snacks and other forms of entertainment for children. <\/p>\n