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Are you cool with school carpool?

By: Jack Nerad for Driving Today

Date: Tuesday, 14. August 2012

Moms and dads are driving their kids--and neighbor kids--to school in record numbers. Now a new national survey sponsored by Nissan North America, indicates that many parents are extremely concerned about their children's safety, especially in other parents' vehicles.

According to a survey of consumers conducted by StrategyOne, a national public opinion research company, nearly seven out of 10 (69 percent) mothers are "very or extremely concerned" about their children's safety when they carpool with other parents. Their first concern (84 percent) is that their children will not be properly restrained when in other parents' vehicles. Following close behind, 81 percent of moms said they are worried that being in a hurry to get to their destination compromises their children's safety.

The survey also found that four out of five mothers (79 percent) find children's behavior to be the biggest distraction while driving. Cellular phones ranked second, with 75 percent of moms citing them as a distraction.

"Mothers are worried about their children when they're on the road with others, and they are right to be concerned--2,570 children under the age of 15 were killed last year in automobile accidents," said Bob Yakushi, Nissan's director of product safety, regulatory, accessory quality, and a certified child passenger safety technician. "It can be difficult driving with children in the car, but moms can help maximize the safety of everyone in the vehicle by following five simple tips, and sharing these tips with other moms."

Fasten Seatbelts Before Takeoff. Check each child's safety seat and belt to ensure they are properly restrained before starting the car.

Music Calms the Savage Beast. About two thirds of mothers rely on music (68 percent) or toys (66 percent) to occupy their children's attention so that they can focus on driving. Keep soft toys and games in the car to entertain your children or get them to sing along to their favorite music.

No Good Deed Goes Unnoticed. Reinforce good behavior with prizes, such as an extra book from the library, or quarters for the video arcade.

A Time and Place for Everything. Pull the vehicle over at a safe place--never on the side of the road--to deal with behavior problems. Don't try to solve situations while driving.

Look Mom, No Hands. Do not use the cell phone when driving, or, if it is really necessary, use a hands-free headset, pull off the road, and make it very brief.

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Adriana,

Thanks, J! Yes, working from home! That would have made it a nice 7 Ways arilcte! Being a computer guy in Louisiana, I had the privilege of driving quite a bit to and from Houston. Texas just seems to involve a lot of driving, no matter where you live or where you want to go.How long does it take you to get to and from work? How many miles each way? Can you do the bike thing? I was listening to a podcast today, and the guy was describing how people have mounted gas-powered motors on bicycles that provide help so you don't have to always pedal, and they get something like 135 mpg. Would you be able to do a two-wheel vehicle with your hurt foot?Also, are you exploring additional streams of income? Is there anything you can teach from your house? Are you working on an Internet-based business?You're right about guys and multi-tasking: we need all the help we can get!


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