How to Stay Drive Safely With a Toddler in the Car

When you think of distracted drivers, you probably imagine teens using their phones to talk, text, and check social media. But a recent IDriveSafely.com survey found that toddler parents are among the most distracted drivers on our roads. 

Parenting isn't on the list of activities banned by distracted driving lawsLaws Distracted Driving Driving Resources, but that doesn't mean having kids in the car is easy. Fortunately, there are ways to stay focused and prep for your trip to make sure your entire family arrives safely. 

Why Are Toddler Parents So Distracted?

Parents already know there's a big difference between watching a baby and chasing down a toddler who has learned to walk and talk. It's not surprising that in our survey, 75% of parents reported feeling that their children became much more demanding passengers as they grew from infants to toddlers. 

What did surprise us was how that translated to some unsafe behaviors behind the wheel. For example:

• 40% of parents said they manage their toddler's entertainment while driving

• 80% said they hand their toddler a drink

• 78% said they hand their toddler a snack 

• 69% admitted to managing sibling interactions 

• 67% said they had to deal with fussiness and tantrums 

It's worth noting that short-distance tripsTrending Solving One Mile Problem Defensive Driving are especially problematic because drivers tend to see them as less dangerous than longer journeys. Unfortunately, taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road for even a few seconds can lead to disastrous consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationApi Public ViewPublication 813575 Crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov, 1,129 children were killed in car accidents in 2022 alone.

Tips for Prepping for a Trip with a Toddler

Whether you're driving across the country or around the corner, a little preparation can make the ride go more smoothly. Here's your pre-trip checklist for driving with toddlers.

• Check car seat installation: Make sure the car seat is properly installedTrending How Safely Use Front Facing Car Seat Defensive Driving and that your child is secure before starting each car ride. This can eliminate one cause of fussiness, and it's crucial for safety.

• Plan your route and schedule: For longer trips, it pays to plan ahead. Know where and when you'll pull over for meals and bathroom breaks so you can avoid your kid getting hangry. It's also smart to make rest stops interesting and fun, so plan a little extra time to see the sights or do some running around.

• Bring a travel potty: If your toddler is still potty training, bring their potty with you. It can be a comforting reminder of what to do when they feel the urge, and you won't have to worry about finding a rest area in a pinch.

• Bring a first aid kit: You never know when your toddler will get a bump or feel sick, so make sure your car emergency kitMaintenance Car Emergency Kit Driving Resources includes a first aid box. Keep it stocked with bandaids, antiseptic, and medications for pain as well as motion sickness.

Tips for Staying Focused with a Toddler in the Car

No parent wants to be in a car accident, especially not with their most precious cargo on board. You can't control other drivers, but you can definitely make some changes to ensure your own driving practices are as safe as they can be. Try these tips to stay focused when driving with your kids in the back seat:

• Have snacks and drinks ready: If you need to feed your toddler on the road, make sure that food and drinks are easily accessible for a quick handoff. Choose items that are easy to open (or already open). For drinks, try a cup with an integrated straw instead of a juice box that's tricky for little hands.

• Attach electronics to the back of the seat: Avoid arguments over the iPad or a meltdown when a toy is dropped. Keeping screens attached to the seat ensures your tot will always have something to do. Just make sure the device is charged and ready to go before getting behind the wheel.  

• Queue up a singalong: If your kids are vocal, channel that energy into something better than screaming. Play their favorite songs on the car radio and encourage everyone to sing along for classic road trip fun. 

• Pull over for tantrums: Rather than try to figure out the cause of an unknown tantrum while driving, pull over so you can give your toddler your full attention. Their distress is often more distracting than you realize, so don't try to white-knuckle through a major meltdown.

• Get help from passengers: Ask for help! If you have older children in the car, ask for their help with the toddler’s snacks, drinks, entertainment, and dropped items. Whenever possible, you should delegate tasks to others so you can devote your attention to the road.

More Safe Driving Tips

Toddlers can be a big distraction, but you can stay focused when you plan ahead. Looking for more safe driving tips? Try our online defensive driving coursesDefensive Driving to brush up on your driving skills and keep your family safe.