Britain’s parents are being driven to distraction on long journeys by bored children bouncing about on the back seat, Admiral has suggested.

According to the car insurance provider, 35 per cent of mums and dads have been distracted by their kids while driving, with 73 per cent of those saying that keeping bored children in check on long journeys is their biggest cause of stress. For two per cent of people, their little ones have been such a handful that they have nearly caused an accident. As such, more than a third (34 per cent) said they had felt anxious prior to embarking on a long journey.

Common problems encountered on trips were repeated toilet breaks and fights breaking out between youngsters, which were a major distraction for 36 per cent and 30 per cent of people respectively. Further findings also revealed that on average, it takes a child between 21 and 40 minutes to get bored on a car journey.

In an effort to combat this, Dr Claire Halsey, clinical psychologist and parenting expert, urged parents to make sure there were plenty of items to keep children entertained inside the vehicle. She also urged people to factor in regular breaks which, while extending overall travelling time, would help to stop children becoming bored.

For those planning a family break this summer, taking out a personal loan may prove an effective way to meet the various vacation costs. In applying for this type of loan, consumers could find they are afforded the additional funds necessary to plan activities such as days out that are sure to keep kids’ attention.

Another effective way to keep children under control was to develop clear rules and rewards for good behaviour, as well as playing games such as I Spy and 20 Questions in order to stave off boredom. According to Admiral, many parents have already realised the benefits of the former, with a quarter saying they bribe their children with food and presents to curb unruly behaviour. Simple, easy-to-follow rules should be set out before a journey starts to ensure that kids know their boundaries, Dr Halsey advised. Commands such as “stay in your seats, use a quiet voice, share nicely and don’t hit or hurt others” were said to be effective in achieving this.

“Misbehaviour in the car can be both distracting and dangerous so if squabbling breaks out be prepared to find a safe place to pull over so you can remind children of the in-car rules and calm the situation,” the family expert commented.

To further limit the risk of being involved in an accident, she urged parents to make sure that in-car entertainment was kept varied and that children were encouraged to run off excess energy during breaks in driving.

Parents looking for a way to fund a dream break in gloomy economic conditions may like to consider taking out a cheap loan. In choosing this type of loan, people may find they are able to avoid cutting costs and are able to enjoy their time away to the fullest. Such a loan could also be used to cover unexpected costs such as stays at motorway hotels after a study by Saga warned that as many as 3.2 million have driven home from holiday while fatigued.

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