Traveling can be stressful, especially when you have children on board, or are undertaking a long journey. You want to be able to reach your destination in good time, but also to ensure the relative comfort of the car’s inhabitants without compromising on safety. If you have to spend all your time aiding your passengers or giving them your attention, you will not be able to pay adequate attention to the road, which could result in an accident – click the link to speak with a Nashville car accident lawyer for more information. This is where travel accessories can be quite handy, to ensure you keep your eyes on the road. Read on for useful ideas…
Car Refrigerator
Once used as a cigarette lighter, and now often used to charge cellphones and navigation systems, the automobile auxiliary power outlet, also known as the 12V socket, can be used to power other items too. Connecting a specialist in-car refrigerator gives you access to cool food and beverages throughout the trip. This means that others in the car can help themselves, rather than needing to keep asking you to stop to buy food, or to try to find something while keeping your eyes on the road.
Collapsible Garbage Can
Road trips normally come with food, drink, and lots of snacks. This can leave your car’s interior looking like a hazardous minefield of wrappers and containers. Getting into the habit of using a car garbage can will keep your car looking pristine and ensure that all the trash you accumulate over your trip is confined to one location. These cans are sometimes available with straps to mount them behind a front seat headrest, which can be especially useful for those with smaller cars or limited legroom. At the end of your drive, simply remove the can, empty, and fold away for future usage.
In-Car DVD Player
While this may be a little pricey, it can be extremely useful. If the constant announcements of boredom from the backseat usually distract you from your driving, a DVD player can help change that. Those made specifically for cars can be fitted to the backs of seats, or you could opt for a cheaper portable DVD player. The latter option may be ideal, combined with a good set of headphones, for those who have multiple children with different tastes in media. The use of headphones also leaves you free to listen to any music of your choosing, or simply to bask in the quiet as you drive.
Car journeys can be tedious. While you may be hoping for the best, it is always better to plan for the worst in terms of hunger and boredom. The easier you make parenting while driving, the less stressful the drive should, theoretically, be. When safety is your priority, it is vital that you minimize the chances of distraction, even if that does mean implementing a digital babysitter for a couple of hours.