New Year's Resolutions: Vow To Stay Safe While Driving In 2012

Make a resolution to drive safely and follow these important tips this year.

Now that we have officially entered 2012, it is time to start reflecting on the past year and deciding which parts of our life we would like to change and improve upon. This many commitments that millions of people vow to make each and every year―also known as New Year’s Resolutions―can be anything from spending more time on a favorite hobby or improving your health and fitness at the gym once a week.

While many people will carry their resolutions through to the end of the year, many people often find that keeping these promises are a little harder than they originally thought, especially if they are large, life-changing adjustments. However, there is one simple (and smart) New Year’s Resolution that every driver should vow to make in 2012―become a safer driver.

When it comes to safe driving, many of the rules are common sense―watching for pedestrians, keeping your eyes on the road, wearing your seatbelt―yet thousands of people all across the country get in car accidents every single day. Not only does this mean a big, fat ticket if you were at fault for the crash, but it could also mean serious injuries to yourself, other drivers and pedestrians.

While you may not be able to prevent every single accident on the road, you can make the decision to become a safer driver in 2012. Here are some basic roadside resolutions that you should vow to keep in the new year:

Follow The Speed Limit

On a day-to-day basis, many people have no problem following the set speed limit signs. After all, the are there for a reason. However, we all have those days where we are late and need to reach our destination in a hurry. While it may be tempting to pass the cars in front of you and race to where you need to go, try your best to follow the speed limits of the road. When you speed, you are not only increasing your chances of getting into a crash or injuring yourself, but you are also a danger to everyone else on the road.

No Cell Phones While Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of automobile accidents across the country, and no distraction causes more problems or car crashes than cell phones. Even though it is illegal in many states to talk on your cell phone or text while driving, many people will still try to sneak a glance at their screen at every stop light. However, what many of these people do not know is that driving while texting can be just as dangerous and driving drunk. So, next time you’re on the road, put your cell phone out of reach and focus on the road instead.

Do Not Drink And Drive

One of the easiest ways to reduce traffic accidents and car crashes is to make a resolution to not drink while driving or be a passenger of a vehicle where someone has been drinking. Roughly 12,000 people are killed annually in automobile accidents involving impaired drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Buzzed driving, even if you have only had a few drinks, can severely impair your judgment and reaction time, which could lead to many dangerous risks on the road.

While making these New Year’s Resolutions will certainly help keep you safe on the road, we understand that not all traffic accidents are preventable. If you have been injured as a result of a car crash, be sure to contact Sall Myers Medical Associates today to ensure that your injury does not significantly affect your future.

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