Diagram for Disaster
Distractions are everywhere. Noise, lights, people – and even your own thoughts and stress – can be a distraction. Add to these a demanding child – sparking you to talk, discipline or focus on them in the backseat – and you have the potential for disaster. "Parental instinct is an amazing thing," says Barbara Spangler, owner of Reflections Safety Mirrors in Newark, Ohio. "It causes us to love and protect our young at all costs, but it can also cause us to throw caution to the wind while driving on the interstate at 65 miles per hour. Children become demanding in the car because they are trying to communicate and all they can see is the back of their parent's head. In response, parents want to and will attempt to accommodate whatever need the child has – or thinks he/she has. Though this instinctive response is natural, it can be a disaster waiting to happen even during a routine trip to the grocery."

Mirror Image
One of the easiest ways to avoid backseat distraction would be removal of the children. But when that's not possible, keeping your eyes on them – safely – finishes a close second. "There are several different types of mirrors available enabling drivers to view the backseat without turning their eyes from the road," says Spangler. "When purchasing a mirror, look for quality. Choose one that attaches securely near the rearview mirror – where your eyes are accustomed to going – with a lens curvature allowing a clear view. [With safety mirrors], not only can you see the children but the children can see you. Children behave better when they know they can be seen."

"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 make a 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."

Seating for Safety
NHTSA recommends that smaller children, younger than age 4, always sit in the back in a car seat or booster seat. This seating arrangement is wonderful for safety, but can add to driver distraction and give rise to chaos. "Some children believe it is their high calling on earth to tease and irritate their siblings," says Spangler. "Since transporting children on luggage racks is considered illegal, and most definitely unsafe, try separating those that fight in the seats as much as possible. Another option is to involve children in a friendly game of counting trucks, memory games or identifying license plates by state. This will put their attention and energy into something other than each other." Oftentimes using your imagination will help find an answer.

Distract Them Instead
Perhaps one of the best ways to avoid driver distraction is to prepare. Consider all scenarios before leaving and you will be better prepared. "The best thing to do is consider the condition of your child before you get into the car," says Spangler. "Is he/she tired, hungry, thirsty, needing a restroom break? Is there a chance your child will get hot during the ride and dressed appropriately? How long do you anticipate your journey to be? If your child begins to fidget, is there anything within your reach that might satisfy them?" Find age appropriate games to keep those little minds and hands busy. Hide a couple of safe smaller toys in the car for such emergencies. Choose soothing music. It is true that music soothes the savage beast; it will help to calm and quiet children, too.

Driving Don'ts
Bill Cosby joked that parents are not interested in justice or what is right, they are only interested in quiet. However, when driving, there is a thin line between what is right and what is dangerous. "Though the temptation is strong, it is never wise to allow children to eat in the car," says Spangler. "It is never worth the risk of your child choking and you being unable to assist because of traffic. In addition, toys should be carefully selected as to age appropriateness. Young children should never be given anything they could possibly injure themselves with or throw and injure someone else – including their parents."

Parents only want what is best for their children. However, when you're behind the wheel may not be the best time to offer it. "The most important thing a parent should consider before turning to correct, help or console a child is this: A car, weighing between three and four thousand pounds, loaded with Mom and the kids traveling at a speed of 35 miles per hour, will travel approximately 105 feet in the span of two seconds," says Spangler. "These could be two of the most important seconds of your life. Don't ever take it lightly."