As mums, we’re programmed to tend to our kiddos no matter what, but did you know that giving attention to our children while driving is actually TWELVE times more distracting than chatting on our mobiles?
In fact, based on international evidence it’s estimated that driver distraction plays a role in 20-30% of all road collisions in Ireland – that’s over 1,400 often devastating accidents each year.
And you know, tending to our kids in the car often doesn’t even occur to us as being dangerous – we’re just being good parents right? But it’s time to change how we think mums, because here are five everyday ways being distracted by our kids can put them at risk:
1. Mediating between squabbling kids
Kids argue, it’s what they do. And if they’re already a little fractious towards each other, we know that being stuck in a small space together rarely helps relations! And we get it, it’s stressful for us when this is all going on in the back seat. But our priority is to get from A to B safely, so mediating between squabbling kids should be secondary. Let them argue, or else stop the car in a safe place and refuse to drive off until they make up. That’ll show ‘em!
2. Feeding our children
Even something as simple as reaching back and popping a potato snack into our child’s mouth can take our attention of the road. Suddenly the snack falls, and we reach down unthinkingly to pick it up or else our child starts to cough or choke; and in seconds our ability to drive safely has been compromised.
3. Worrying that we’re bad parents
We really don’t give ourselves a break, do we? A study by the RSA showed that parents are conflicted when driving, torn between being a good driver and a good parent at the same time. However, attempting to attend to our kids’ needs while driving actually puts them, and other people on the road in danger.
4. Multi-tasking
We’re up at cock’s crow and hustling the kids out the door for crèche, school, summer camp etc. without so much as a cup of coffee. Is it any wonder we view the car journey as a handy way to multi-task? But wiping faces, brushing hair and soothing tired tears can our attention off the road with potentially devastating consequences.
5. Looking back
Our kids are gorgeous, of course we want to stare at them all day! But wait until you’re all safely out of the car before you lovingly look at your kids (and they look back and say, “Stop staring at me mum!”) Looking back even for a SPLIT second takes our eyes off the road. And in that second we could miss that child crossing the road, or the unexpected car crossing lanes.
The RSA has launched a new campaign to educate parents on the risks children pose as a distraction in the car. The Irish safe driving organisation wants parents to understand that the things going on outside the vehicle need their attention much more than the things inside it. Visit www.rsa.ie for more information.
