Parents are only just realising 7 little-known mistakes when driving with children that could cost them a £1,000 fine
DRIVERS have been left in shock after discovering seven little-known mistakes when driving with children that could cost them a £1,000 fine.
With many families looking to embark on road trips this summer, parents have been urged to avoid common driving mistakes that could result in a serious accident and a penalty fine.
Handily, experts from Quotezone.co.uk have highlighted seven common driving mistakes many parents are making without realising how dangerous they can be.
Improper use of a car seat
It’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by car seat manufacturers and the law, to ensure children are properly restrained.
Car seats must be used for children until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall, and babies under 15 months old must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.
However, it’s recommended to keep them rear-facing as long as possible for maximum safety.
Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £500 and licence points.
Car seat not installed securely
Over half, 56%, of child car seats are incorrectly fitted.
If the car seat is slightly loose, then it’s an indicator that either the seat isn’t compatible with the car or it’s not properly installed.
Parents should closely follow the manufacturer’s manual on installation or get the car seat fitted professionally the first time.
It’s also recommended to hoover and refit a car seat regularly to make sure it isn’t loose, and food debris isn’t hindering the buckles.
Loose items in the car
Loose items in the car can become projectiles during a sudden manoeuvre or crash and can pose a danger to passengers, especially children, as they can cause severe injuries if they hit someone.
Beverages should be placed in drink holders, phones should be securely placed in a mount, and other loose items should be stored in the trunk or sealed compartments and never left on the parcel shelf.
If a vehicle is travelling at 55 miles per hour at the time of a collision, a 20-pound object inside the car will strike with £1,000 of force.
Wearing bulky clothes in the car seat
Bulky clothing, such as coats, should not be worn in a car seat because they leave extra space under the harness, which means that during a collision, the child can slip through the straps.
That’s because the coat adds extra bulk that can compress during a crash.
To keep children warm, parents should dress them in thin layers instead and use a blanket or a car seat cover over the harness.
Not turning on child lock
Children may be curious or open the car door accidentally while moving, which can cause an accident or be seen by the police as careless driving, which may result in a hefty fine and licence points.
Child lock also comes in handy in situations where children may exit the car without realising the potential dangers around them, such as when the vehicle is parked in busy areas or near traffic.
Multitasking
Drivers can get distracted by their children’s behaviour in the car, whether it’s attending to their needs or trying to calm them down.
However, it’s important to stay focused on the road in order to operate the vehicle safely.
In such cases, it’s better to pull over and make a stop to take care of the children’s needs before hitting the road again.
Driving when tired
Exhausted parents should never sit behind the wheel, as fatigue can negatively affect their reaction time and ability to concentrate and navigate the road safely.
If feeling drowsy while on the road, it’s best to find a safe place to pull over and take a break before continuing the journey.
This comes after car experts were warned about simple errors that could result in fines of up to £2,500 this summer’s wedding season.
Plus, a car expert warned drivers that their summer wardrobe could cost them a £5,000 fine.