The Top Ten New Year’s Driving Resolutions!

#1. “I will always wear my seatbelt and make sure everyone else does too!” Because your seat belt is the single most important piece of safety equipment in your vehicle, making sure you and EVERY passenger in every vehicle you’re in has one on should be a number one priority! And besides, it’s the law! Seatbelts protect you no matter what the speed, impact or direction is involved.

#2. “I will slow down, relax a little, and not drive too fast regardless of what or who is stressing me out.” It’s easy to let your frustrations get you pressing that pedal down, but don’t do it! It’s a simple fact of physics. The faster you go, the less time you have to react to emergencies, the harder you crash, and the greater your chances of death or serious injury. A few extra minutes isn’t worth the risk! Take a breath and slow down.

#3. “I won’t tailgate other vehicles.” Following too closely is a dangerous habit that can result in serious accidents, especially during bad weather. Give yourself plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Try the “two second rule” at moderate speeds and four seconds at high speeds. Count “one, 1,000, two, 2,000”, etc. between the car in front of you and yourself, using some marker on the side of the road. #4. “I won’t make quick passes and I will use good lane discipline.” If you’re going to pass, do so in a smooth, progressive manner, and move back over as soon as you can clearly see the vehicle in your rearview mirror. Always pass on the left and never use the shoulder.

#5. “I will make sure that I always use my turn signal.” Your chances of preventing an accident are greater (even if you make a mistake) if you alert others what you are anticipating doing well in advance.

#6. “Go ahead and let them in and let it go!” Allow other drivers to merge, even if they make that decision last minute. This has got to be one of the leading causes of road rage. Think again, though. Is it really worth it? You might even get a smile or “thank you wave” out of it.

#7. “I will obey all lights and stop signs.” Stopping for red lights or a stop sign means to stop completely, too, not to just slow down and slide on through. You risk an accident and a ticket if you roll through the stop. #8. “I will maintain good driving manners on the road at all times and I will not let myself get distracted and affect my driving.” Stop talking on the phone, changing music, eating and arguing in the car with others while you’re driving. And, of course, you should never text while driving. They all have a negative effect on your driving. Drowsy driving and distracted driving can also be as dangerous as drunk driving!

#9. “I will not get in the car with someone upset, a reckless driver, or one who I suspect has been drinking or taking drugs,” and “I will not let someone I know drive if he or she is impaired, even if they get angry with me!” Also, offer to pick up any friends or family that get caught in that situation.

#10. “I will remember to move over a lane when I see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.” This is the law in New York State now and it can save lives (and avoid expensive tickets!).

We’ve had a crazy year, so it’s not so easy this year with many resolutions, so why not try these on the road that may be easier and save a few lives!