For our second edition of “This Holiday Season’s Driving Tips”, we’ll talk about the importance of preparation and communication to ensure that you and your family arrive to your destination safely and in harmony.
Traveling with family- Avoid the stress of incessant “Are we there yet?” conversations by building an itinerary and communicating your plans. Talk about stops for food and restroom breaks so everyone knows what to expect. Kids can follow along, track progress, anticipate their favorite spots – even figure out arrival times on their own. With easy-to-use navigation provided by Ford SYNC 3, you can determine the quickest route, locate family-friendly pit stops along the way, and plug in your itinerary in advance to keep the trip on track.
Don’t play the passive passenger- If you’re lucky enough to be sitting in the front passenger seat on a long journey, assist your driver through helpful communication. Be sure to stay alert and keep an eye out for road signs. (Do try to refrain from refreshing your Instagram feed every five seconds.) Above all, avoid all comments on how your chauffeur is driving – no one likes a back seat driver, especially when road conditions turn stressful!
Chat with little Nikki more than Siri- Voice activation puts a whole world of information at your command from the driver’s seat, whether locating the next rest stop or calling Grandpa hands-free to let him know you’re just up the road. With today’s voice recognition clearer than ever, people aren’t just naming their cars – they’re talking to them! Just be sure you talk to your real passengers at least as much as you communicate with your car’s infotainment system.
Control distractions- Ford studies show Americans are conflicted on in-car entertainment – while three in five drivers think passengers should weigh in, just as many say the one behind the wheel should have the final say when it comes to entertainment. We all want to hear our favorite karaoke number on a long road trip, but a distracted driver is a safety hazard. As a polite passenger, defer to your chauffeur and offer to play DJ or navigate the control screen to make her job easier. If the kids in the back have their own entertainment setup, make sure they keep “Christmas Vacation” at a noise level that doesn’t surpass the cue to “Turn right in 300 feet.”
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