Practical Tips for New Parents to Make a Vehicle Safer for Their Kids

Parents want the best for their children and will do everything to ensure their immediate world is a safe place to grow up. This usually leads parents on a baby-proofing frenzy to try and make their home as safe as a room full of mattresses and pillows. Table corners are padded, cabinets are locked, sharp objects are hidden, and harmful items are thrown away. While this is effective and admirable, it would also be nice to see parents put as much energy toward baby-proofing their vehicles. Here are some tips to help new parents make a vehicle safer for their kids.   Change Your Brakes Although this may seem like an obvious part of routine maintenance, some people wait too long to replace their brakes. If you notice a stark reduction in stopping speed or hear a high pitched screech, then you’ve probably overshot the replacement date of your car’s brakes. The rate at which you change the brakes depends on how often you drive and what kind of pads they are. This info can be found on the box of brakes. With a few tools and a little know-how, you can tackle a brake change in less than an hour. Hiring a professional is also routine and affordable.   Upgrade to Full Coverage Insurance A robust car insurance policy is one of the more surefire ways of ensuring your family is protected while on the road. Since you can’t predict or avoid everything, there’s always a chance of having an auto accident. Insurance is the back-up solution that protects you when everything else failed to prevent a collision. If you still don’t have full auto coverage, it’s worth upgrading from a plan with just liability. It’s going to end up costing you more on a monthly basis, but the extra protection is worth the price.   You may also consider leaving your current provider for a company that not only offers affordable policies for full coverage, but is also well established and holds a high AM Best financial strength rating. Do some research and compare the top options. You’ll discover that Liberty Mutual, for example, was founded over 100 years ago and has an A rating.   Use Your Phone Wisely It’s understandable why phones have a bad reputation when it comes to driving. However, when these devices are used properly, they can be excellent driving assistants. By downloading just a few apps from the wealth of options available, your smartphone can offer GPS directions, contact emergency services, and even put your baby to sleep with some soothing tunes. Most phones can even integrate into your vehicle for hands-free control.   With that in mind, consider a Samsung Galaxy S10 phone if you’re looking to replace your old device. In addition to plenty of power under the hood and a ton of additional features, this line of models has a feature called Android Auto which locks your phone while driving. Similarly, Apple phones have a “Do Not Disturb” option to ensure it’s not misused while driving.   Stay Up-to-Date with Your Vehicle’s Service Requirements Although all vehicles require the same servicing, each model needs to receive this maintenance at different intervals. Instead of relying on advice found on blog forums or taking a guess yourself, consult the vehicle-specific information, which can be found in any owner’s manual. These booklets or online files outline the exact maintenance requirements for your vehicle and the appropriate timing. If you can stick to these guidelines, you can help optimize the functioning of your car and increase its safety for your entire family.   New parents need to focus on safe driving habits and good car maintenance to keep their family safe on the road. It’s better to invest time and energy before a potential collision than have to deal with the event without being prepared. These tips can help you get on the right path.   Photo Credit: Pixabay Author: Daniel Sherwin