As the New Year begins, it’s relatively common for most of us to make some resolutions to better ourselves. From healthier eating habits to drinking more water, getting more walks in or perhaps being more thrifty with our money, the New Year is a time when we resolve to make these positive changes. But what about being a safer driver? Has this ever been one of your resolutions?
Driving a vehicle puts a lot of responsibility on a person, and cars can cause a lot of damage and injury if an accident occurs. Safe driving doesn’t just refer to not driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (although that is important!)
Here are some easy resolutions you can make to become a safer driver this year.
Think about Defensive Driving
Accidents due to distracted driving are on the rise, and you can’t control what other drivers on the road are doing. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from distracted drivers is to drive defensively. This includes always being aware of what’s going on around you and keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
Furthermore, driving a little slower means, you have more time to react to anything that happens unexpectedly. You should also make the most out of built-in safety features – like blind spot sensors or lane change assistance.
Don’t Drive Distracted
Most people think of distracted driving as being about cell phones or electronic gadgets while behind the wheel. But other things can cause distraction too.
Distracted driving could also include eating and driving, playing music too loudly or even reaching for an item you dropped. To be a better driver this year, turn down the music, put away your electronic devices and wait until you get home to eat that burrito! Just concentrate on driving and arriving at your destination safely.
Don’t Drive while Impaired
Impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol or drugs, it can include any way that your judgment is impaired. Some prescription drugs warn against operating heavy machinery while taking the medication, so if you’re unsure you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your prescriptions could affect your driving.
Driving while too tired could also be a form of impairment – possibly affecting both your reactions and your judgement. If you’re taking a long trip, then plan to stop every few hours or share the driving with a friend or family member.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Cars are machines that require frequent maintenance and updates to make sure they are running at optimal levels.
If you are able to stay on top of the regular maintenance and repairs your car will be safer to drive. Parts like brakes will ensure you can safely stop when you need to, and regular oil changes will help keep your engine running smoothly. Your car’s manufacturer will provide a schedule for suggested service for your car.
This year, why not resolve to be a safer driver! It will not only benefit you, but others on the road as well.