Dining Behind The Wheel

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

Did you know that the average American spends 100 hours a year commuting to work? So, what of those parents who do double duty commuting to work, carting children around to various extra-curricular activities, running errands and in some cases using the family vehicle as a means to lull a cranky baby to sleep. How many hours a year do they spend in the car? A lot.

I should know. Our family spends way too much time in our vehicles. Which is why such a great appreciation for the individual who invented the car cup holder. I once saw a van that came equipped with like 14-cup holders and I think I drooled in every one of them. Nothing says love than a vehicle with more cup holders than passengers. And, I know I am not alone. American families are all about food-friendly driving.

Think about it. Whether it's something from the refrigerator or something from a fast food restaurant-how many times a week do you find yourself eating in your vehicle? If you answered, at least three then you may be interested in a great website that I visit quite often. Familyonboard.com specializes in accessories that help you eat in the car--and even do some cooking.

Some of my favorite new gadgets that can help you feed the family while you're traveling include: trays to help keep food secure on a passenger's lap, coolers on the back of seats. They even sell a refrigerator for your car. I don't drink coffee, but if you do and don't like to waste time sitting in a drive-thru ordering a fresh cup the site offers a car coffee maker. The power comes from the cigarette lighter. Both the refrigerator and the coffeemaker retails for about $80.

Remember that van with the 12-cup holders? Well, carmakers are no dummies when it comes to catering to families on the go. In addition, to having wall-to-wall cup holders, some vehicles now have cup holders cooled by the air conditioner. Which brings us to the issue of safety. Whereas, I am enamored by all of the gadgets featured on the familyonboard site, I would agree with the experts who recommend that you eat only on open, crowd-free roads. I could tell you why, but I am afraid that I would incriminate the man that I married...

Related Articles:

On The Road With Children--"Sanity-Savers"

Traveling with Children--The Travel Buddy

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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