Stuck for a New Year’s Resolution, How About Becoming a Safer Driver
The giant lighted ball in Times Square is about to drop as the world celebrates the calendar change to a New Year. Instead of the most common New Year’s Resolutions of losing weight, saving more money, or learning a new skill, maybe you can commit to something you do every day. Now is the time to improve car safety by driving safer and more securely. Resolve to become a better driver.
If you’re unsure how to improve your driving habits, your New Year’s Resolution, we’ve got some great ideas for you. Pick one or two and use them every time you get behind the wheel of your car, truck, SUV, or minivan.
Commit to checking your tires regularly
Many experts suggest checking your tires at least once a month for proper inflation, but most of forget to do so. Although modern cars come with tire inflation sensors, it’s still a good idea to look at your tires. Is the tread wearing evenly? Do you have enough tread? Tires are the only part of your vehicle touching the road; this should be the starting point of your resolution to drive better.
Resolve to reduce driving distractions
Anything that takes your attention away from the road is a distraction. Activities as simple as changing the climate settings or audio volume are small distractions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021 alone. Set yourself up in the driveway to ensure you won’t be tempted to become distracted while driving.
Use your turn signals properly
How often have you been behind other drives who make a turn but never signal their intent to turn? Even if you’re in a turning lane, you should have your signal on to indicate to other drivers that you want to make a turn. A good New Year’s Resolution to becoming a better driver would be committing to consistently using your turn signals.
Avoid aggressive drivers and the urge to give into road rage
How do you react when other drivers do something unsafe? When you’re being tailgated do you brake check the other driver, flip them a one-finger salute, or move to the right lane and let them pass? You control how you react to other drivers on the road. If you get annoyed and angry when other drivers do something wrong, it might be time to resolve to change your mindset and reactions.
SLOW DOWN! Resolve to not speed or run red lights
The NHTSA reports 12,330 speed-related deaths in 2021 alone. More than half of those deaths happened with drivers who weren’t wearing seatbelts. Speeding kills and running red lights puts you at risk for T-bone collisions, and not wearing your seatbelt is illegal. Slow down, stop at the light, and put that seatbelt on. These actions give you a better chance of seeing another New Year beyond 2024.
