Kids and cars: Your holiday survival guide

The summer holidays have begun and families will soon be setting off to enjoy a week’s UK holiday break. But before the camping, theme parks and beach picnics can begin you need to get in the car and travel for hours to get there.

That’s when the real fun starts; the kids wiggling out of their seatbelts, bickering and asking “Are we there yet?”

But the journey doesn’t have to be so stressful. The IAM have put together a few tips to help you when travelling on holiday with small children in the car.

Keep them occupied: Bored children tend to make more noise, distracting the driver. Take with you some things to occupy the children such as pencils or books – and electronic games are great if the volume is muted! Petrol stations often supply children’s activity packs for free so when you’re filling up ask if they have any available. Have some easy to play games ready – who’s the first to spot a yellow car?

Breaks: The Department for Transport recommends that drivers take a break every two hours; anything longer and children could become restless.

Strap them in: Children will need to be restrained in a suitable child restraint. More information about child restraints can be found on www.dft.gov.uk.

Safety child door locks: When driving down the motorway, the last thing you need is for your passenger door to fly open. Check your child locks prior to setting off.

Temperatures: Heat in cars can reach incredibly high levels and children have died from heat stroke in hot cars. Try to ensure the kids are kept cool. This will also prevent them from becoming restless and unhappy.