NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE OUR ROADS SAFER IN 2016
January is a time for new beginnings.
This year, instead of making the same old resolution to join a gym or to eat healthier, why not set a goal that will make our province’s roads safer for everyone?
Automated features on newer vehicle models are helping prevent more crashes, but most accidents are still the result of human error. The onus is on us as drivers to develop sound safety habits. One basic resolution is to always put your seatbelt on before you start the car.
Buckling up may seem like a nobrainer, and according to Transport Canada, 95 per cent of Canadians already do. But the same statistics show that between 2004 and 2008, 36 per cent of fatally injured drivers and 38 per cent of fatally injured passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of collision. Be safe and buckle up before you turn the car on.
Another safety measure is to move out of the left lane if you are not passing other vehicles, and stay in the right lane. And remember always shoulder check when changing lanes.
If you are still one of those drivers who texts at stoplights, it might be a good idea to make a no distracted driving resolution.
One study found that distracted driving, including texting, eating, or using a GPS behind the wheel, contributed to more than 22 per cent of crashes and near crashes.
This year, set a goal to always keep two hands on the wheel. This forces you to pull over if you want to use your phone or GPS. When you have passengers, it can also help to designate another person to control the directions, music, or cellphone.
If you still find yourself distracted by a ringing phone or an incoming text, keep your cell in the back seat.
Another resolution you can make for both safer roads and a fatter wallet is starting a vehicle maintenance regime. A well-running car saves you money in gas mileage and repairs, and avoids dangerous breakdowns on the road.
Maintenance can be as simple as arranging for a biannual tune-up. A professional mechanic can scan for current issues and nip potential problems in the bud.
If you aim to go even further, make sure to check your tire pressure, top up your fluids, change your oil, and rotate your tires at regular intervals. The owner’s manual is a good starting place to see how often you should make these checks and changes.
Finally, a resolution that may be hard for some to keep but takes a big step toward safer roads is no speeding. Statistics from Transport Canada show that 27 per cent of fatalities and 19 per cent of serious injuries involved speeding. Furthermore, most drivers killed in speeding-related accidents were the ones going over the limit.
If you have trouble taking your foot off the pedal, remember that driving the posted speed limit not only leads to safer roads, but also saves you money in gas mileage. According to Automatic blog, driving a little slower on the highway could save you hundreds of gas dollars a year, not to mention hundreds of dollars in potential speeding tickets.
Whether you want to slow down, save money, or make vehicle safety your top priority, now is the time to make a commitment toward safer roads. This year, make a resolution that will make a real difference.