Many Americans like to set personal goals every year when January rolls around. Those New Year’s resolutions typically include things like exercising more, losing weight and eliminating unhealthy habits. But it’s also important for all drivers who use the roadways to make some driving resolutions so they and fellow motorists will stay safer throughout the year. If you’re thinking about some personal goals for 2020, here are several safe driving resolutions to consider that may ultimately save lives.
According to the consumer safety website safer-america.com, over 140 million people travel on American roadways every day. It’s also a fact that most traffic accidents are preventable. To help motorists stay informed, Safer America has compiled crash data from the past 5 years from reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Based on historical trends, it’s a safe bet that far too many people were needlessly killed on U.S. roadways once again during 2019.
No matter what you do, traffic accidents can still happen. However, you can lower the odds that you will become a statistic by implementing these safe driving resolutions:
In today’s world of ride-sharing and public transportation services, why do people still feel the urge to get behind the wheel after downing too many adult beverages? That goes for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, including some prescription medications and over-the-counter cold remedies.
Is responding to that text message worth crashing head-on into an oncoming semi-truck? Studies have determined that texting while driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Don’t talk or text on your phone unless you have a hands-free device. Not only does it place you and your passengers at serious risk, most states now enforce strict distracted-driving laws.
Worn out car parts and tires can also cause accidents, including ones while vehicles are stranded on the roadside. To prevent that from happening to you, get your ride checked out by a mechanic at least every 6 months so they can replace old components with new ones.
Share the road courteously with motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. That includes yielding the right of way to others and obeying posted speed limits in construction and school zones. Don’t tailgate, swerve in and out of traffic, or otherwise drive aggressively. Speeding is a contributing factor in up to one-third of all fatal crashes, and traffic safety experts also warn that proper turn signal usage could prevent up to 2 million accidents per year.
If the roads are wet or icy, slow down and stay even further back from the vehicle in front of you. Always use your headlights from a half hour before sundown to half hour after sunrise, and anytime precipitation is falling.
So many lives could be saved every year if vehicle occupants were simply wearing their seatbelts. Buckle up before hitting the road, while also making sure that your children are secured with age-appropriate safety restraints. All children under 12 should ride in the back seat and those under 8 should also be in a car seat.
If you’re involved in a car accident this year, promptly find the expert repairs you need by connecting with an auto body or glass repair shop featured in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All collision repair shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE certified, which means they have the advanced services, innovative equipment and highly trained technicians to restore your ride like new again promptly and reliably.
Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.
