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Home › Articles › Toddler Safety › Backseat Distractions

Backseat Distractions

Parents Don't Really Have Eyes on the Backs of Their Heads

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

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"I am the father of three boys and have spent more time concentrating on what is going on in the backseat then on the road," says Adam Christian, a security officer from Asheville, N.C. "Mirrors that would allow me to see my children – and them to see me – without having to turn around is a great idea. I could focus my energy and concentration more on the road, where it should be anyway."

Driving and Discipline Do Not Mix
Safety mirrors may be the safest alternative to taking your eyes off the road while driving. But there are still times when it is necessary to take further steps. "Pulling off of the road is by far the safest thing to do if you are forced to manage a situation in the backseat that is unable to be addressed verbally," says Spangler. Be sure that if you must pull off the road that you do so in an area away from traffic, such as a parking lot, a rest area or a gas station. Do not stop along the edge of the road.

"When the backseat becomes a battle ground, I tell my kids that I'm not listening," says Crystel Riggs, a mom from Clemson, S.C. "I makea point to stay focused on my driving, rather than any argument or complaining from the back seat. I will try to distract them by stopping to get a drink or a snack somewhere, or even to go into a store we come to. We've not come close to having an accident because of the kids distracting me – yet – but I've missed turns because I wasn't as focused on my driving as I should have been."


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