Distractions

I was driving around, running errands this morning when my cell phone rang.  Because my state has a law prohibiting cell phone use while driving, I let it ring and continued on.  But my brain started thinking.  I truly understand a law prohibiting texting while driving.  THAT is incredibly dangerous.  But I know of some things that are far more distracting than talking on a cell phone while driving.

Have you ever been hit on the head with a toy by a toddler with very good aim, who is sitting angelically in her car seat in the back seat?
Have you ever driven with your left hand while your right hand is trying to stop a fight between two fighting siblings?
Have you ever been driving innocently along when, all of a sudden, the back door swings open?
Have you ever heard to words, "Mommy, I don't feel good" at the same time you hear retching, throwing up sounds?
Now, THOSE are distracting!!!

Let's face it.  There are more distractions than phones and the number one distraction is the kids you haul around every day.  If there is one place where rules should be clearly in place and firmly enforced, it's in the car.

Make sure your child safety seats are correctly secured in your vehicle and your baby/toddler safely strapped in.
If your baby/toddler has toys, only allow those that have little straps to attach to their seats.
Have a strict NO FIGHTING rule.  Pull over and deal with it when you are at a complete stop.
Have a strict NO TOUCHING rule.  Kids can be very subtle in the way they annoy their siblings.
If you're going on a long drive, consider putting some empty plastic bags under your car seat...just in case one of your little darlings gets car sick.
If your car has child locks on the doors, use them.

Probably the most distracting time I can remember is the time I was driving at a high speed when I felt something on my leg.  I glanced down to find a hornet casually crawling up my leg.  I stayed focused on driving while I smacked that hornet and smashed him dead all over my leg.  Ugh!   Even in such circumstances, you can't lose control.  Some people have died from accidents where a bee flew in the window.  It's not worth it.  Concentrate on driving, no matter what!  Whether it's children or insects or anything else, getting to your destination safely is the number one priority.  Teaching your children to behave properly in a car is one less distraction you have to worry about...hopefully!