Top 3 Precautions For Winter Road Trips

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By: Angie @ Kids Matter

As we prepare to make trips to see family for the holidays, or we just get out on the roads to go on every day errands, there are some things to keep in mind. The safety of you and your child is of the utmost importance and in order to be safe you have to take a few precautions. 

1) A safety kit. Be sure you have a safety kit in your car including a minimum of the following things: 

• First Aid Kit
• Hat and gloves for each family member
• An appropriate winter coat
• Emergency blankets
• Kitty litter or sand to help you get a vehicle unstuck
• A charged cell phone
• Water
• Snacks with protein
• Flashlight with working batteries
• Jumper cables
• Ice scraper and brush

2) Activities to distract kids. You do not want to try and entertain your kids while driving on roads that could be slick from snow, ice or freezing rain. Bring a few things along to occupy the kids:

• Coloring Books
• Crayons (Altoid tins are perfect to carry a few crayons in)
• Books
• Blank paper
• Car Bingo printable games 
• Small toys
• Small electronics, if they will not be distracting to you
• Travel size games

 3) Driving in winter weather. Before you go for a long drive, try out these procedures in an empty parking lot. The more sure you feel, the safer you will be.

• Steer into a skid
• Know your brakes: Stomp on anti-lock brakes, pump on non anti-lock brakes
• Always wear your seat belt and be sure your passengers are also buckled in.
• The safest spot for kids 12 and under is in the back seat.
• Rain, Ice or Snow? Take it slow - reduce your speed and increase your distance between vehicles
• Do not drive when you are overly tired
• Alcohol and drugs never mix with driving, regardless of the weather. If you plan to drink, please be sure you have a designated driver.

Be safe on the roads, for the sake of your family and others.