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We are nearing the new year—2022. New years generally result in a flurry of New Year’s resolutions. We vow to lose weight, get in shape, get organized, and dozens of other resolutions.
Have you ever thought of making resolutions that would make you and your family safer in the coming year?
Few of us think about this type of resolution, but Kelley Blue Book found the “typical” driver in the U.S. drives an average of 39 miles per day—almost an hour.
When you put that into an equation that has most of us spending far less time exercising than driving, making driving safety promises could well be the most important thing you will do this year. When you eliminate your bad driving habits, you can add as much benefit to your life as you can by vowing to exercise or quitting smoking.
So, what are some of the most important promises you can make for the coming year related to auto safety? Consider the following top ten promises to make in the New Year:
1. Never, ever, drive while impaired. Virtually every single person that has been charged with a DUI thought they were “fine” to drive. If you plan on drinking at all, have a designated driver, or plan for an Uber or cab ride to get you home.
2. Put your cell phone away while you are driving. Distracted driving is a huge problem in the United States and is probably far more common than we even know, since few drivers want to admit their distraction caused an accident. Talking on a cell phone and texting are extremely dangerous activities. According to EndDD.org, the following facts related to cell phone use while driving:
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- An individual is as impaired when driving and talking on a cell phone as they are when driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent.
- Those who are talking on their cell phone while driving are 5.36 times as likely to be involved in a car accident than a driver that is not using a cell phone.
- When truck drivers text while behind the wheel, their risk of having a collision increases by 23 times.
3. Watch speed limit signs and obey them. Speed is a factor in a large percentage of auto accident fatalities. Even though auto technology continues to improve, particularly in the area of crash protection, autos are hardly injury-proof. The higher the speed, the harder the impact, and the more likely there will be serious or fatal injuries.
4. Always buckle your seat belt. Although the majority of us do buckle up when we are in a vehicle, about 14 percent of drivers and passengers do not wear seat belts, resulting in a higher rate of serious injury or death.
5. Keep your vehicle properly maintained. It is extremely important that you keep your car properly maintained, especially your brakes and your tires,, as poorly maintained brakes or tires can cause auto accidents.
6. Always wear a bicycle and motorcycle helmet. Even if your state does not legally require you to wear a helmet on a motorcycle or bicycle, it simply makes good sense and could prevent a traumatic brain injury.
7. Use appropriate car seats according to the age and size of your children. Go online to determine the best car seats for your children, then make sure the car seat is installed correctly and used 100 percent of the time.
8. Always yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Make a conscious effort to look out for pedestrians and bicyclists, as they are extremely vulnerable in an accident with an automobile.
9. Plan for inclement weather. Watch the weather reports and stay home unless you have to be out in bad weather. Make sure you slow down and use extra caution when driving in bad weather.
10. Do not eat while driving. Make it a rule to never eat a meal in your car, rather take the time to pull over and eat safely.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in an accident this year, and you believe that someone else is to blame, call our law firm immediately. Contact the Green Law Firm, P.C. today by calling (719) 694-8515, or by filling out the contact form on this page, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case.