SURVIVING THE TRIP: MAKE FAMILY VACATION DRIVING TIME MORE FUN WITH A FLIP-DOWN TELEVISION

You're about 100 miles into your trip.

An hour ago, the family piled into the family sedan and headed to a dream location -- Disney World. Now, you're still 1,000 miles away.

The first of many "Are we there yets?" come from the back seat.

Family travel, at best, is a stressful adventure.

But this time around parents can be ready.

With a flick of a switch, a television screen flips down from the car's ceiling. Suddenly, the teens in the back have a choice -- a movie or a video game.

This family trip was going to be a treat.

This year, more than 48 million American families will take to the road for vacation travel. And Americans are spending more time in their cars.

With the increased activity in vehicles, it stands to reason that people are doing things in their cars that they once did only in their homes.

Check some statistics:

* Sixty-nine percent of participants of a recent survey eat while behind the wheel.

* Twelve percent shave, or apply makeup while driving.

* And, unbelievably, 7 percent read while behind the wheel.

* Many passengers now watch television or play TV games while on longer trips.

Needless to say, sales of rear-seat entertainment systems are booming.

John Selby, of Stereo One Inc. says the sales of auto television centers are growing.

"We install a lot of units in cars and vans," he said. "We have a number of models to select from. People can select from a roof-top model or models that can be installed the seats for rear seat passengers."

The new models provide good pictures, and include headsets so front-seat passengers won't be disturbed, said Greg Vaughn of Stereo One.

"We've averaged installing about six a month," he said.

The television sets come with screens ranging in size from 4 to 16 inches.

Vaughn said that most of his installations have been the "flip down" models, with screens that can be flipped down from the ceilings. Most are TV/VCR combos.

Between-the-seat models are popular too.

Do they all work? Apparently!

The marketing research firm of Frost & Sullivan reports that sales of the auto entertainment centers, currently at more than $200 million, could double by the year 2007.

Pricing of auto units are more affordable now. There was a time when the TV/VCR unit was a luxury accessory for limousines, or luxury cars.

Now with cars and SUVs doubling for homes-away-from-home and mini-vans becoming mini-RVS, it was just a matter of time until the units become an attainable plaything for the masses.

Meanwhile, this automotive "house-on-wheels" concept is catching on.

Last year, Ford Motor Co. teamed up with an appliance maker to build a concept car "house-on-wheels" vehicles. Ford showed off its Windstar Solutions at the Detroit Motor Show recently.

The minivan was equipped with Maytag refrigerator, microwave oven, trash compactor, as well as cup holders than can be cooled or heated, and an entertainment center.

While the van did not feature the proverbial "kitchen sink," it was outfitted with a miniature washer and dryer -- in case a soccer uniform had to be laundered en route the big game.

Over the years, parents have tried many things to "pass the time away" while traveling.

Games such as "License Plate Bingo" and "20 Questions" became popular to the family traveling crowd. Music, board games and "books on tape" have also been popular. Now the options include television and video games.

Regardless of vehicles or entertainment available, all driving trips require some advance planning to make them more pleasurable.

This includes preparing routes, outlining an agenda and making sure that your vehicle is in good shape.

Things to consider before the trip include checking and filling oil and other fluids in the vehicle, and making sure your windshield-wiper blades are working properly. Cooling-system hoses should be checked and replaced if necessary, and the thermostat should be operating properly. Coolant or antifreeze should be drained and refilled at manufacturer-recommended intervals. It's important to make sure headlights, turn signals and brake lights also are in proper working condition.

A checklist of items needed is important. A few necessities could include maps, telephone numbers, glasses and/or contact lenses (spare pair a must); flashlight and spare batteries; car insurance information; medical insurance information; names of people to be contacted if you are involved in an emergency situation; necessary cash, credit cards and/or traveler's checks.