Driving Tips for Mom, From a Mom

As the winter is progressing, the mild North Carolina temperatures are moving my focus to spring and summer travel.  Safety is a must in everything we do, but when you are driving your precious cargo (family) around, it is extra important!  Here are a few tips that I hope you will think about next time you are behind the wheel.

Do not even think about driving if you are tired!  Sleep deprived drivers cause way too many accidents, and cost us too many lives every year.  There are plenty of rest areas out there where you can pull in, stretch your legs and rest.  Also, if more than one person in your vehicle is a licensed driver, share the driving responsibilities.  My best advice on this is to get a good night sleep before you take off on your trip.

Be Alert!!  Be pro-active when you are driving.  Pay attention to everything that is going on around you.  Listen for sirens and check your mirrors often.  Things going on behind you and beside you do affect you!  If you hear a siren, or see flashing lights behind you, carefully make your way to the right and allow them to safely pass you.  In emergency situations, every second counts!  Imagine that every emergency vehicle is coming to help you or your loved ones.  Think about how you would feel if your family member was waiting for emergency assistance and the responder was slowed to react because YOU were blocking their way!

Make sure you are prepared for your trip.  Check and double check that you have everything you will need for your journey.  Pack an emergency kit for your vehicle that includes jumper cables, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, extra water, blanket and even snacks and a cell phone.  Even cell phones that do not have a monthly plan can call 911!

Don't rush the trip.  Slow down and enjoy the drive.  Speeding is just too dangerous!  When you are speeding, you have less control of your vehicle.  In 1985, the church van I was riding in was involved in a wreck while we were on a retreat for the teenagers.  A truck driver who was SPEEDING lost control of his truck and slammed into our van and flipped it over!  It rolled three complete revolutions before it came to rest on the roof!  This accident, caused by a speeding driver cost the lives of three wonderful people, and changed the lives of the rest of us forever!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
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