It’s that time of year again where all take a moment to re-evaluate habits that may not be serving us and resolve to do better. Resolutions regarding improved nutrition and exercise, or spending and saving are worthy and go a long way towards improving our quality of life.
Even more important, perhaps, would be to change habits that may cause harm to ourselves or others.
Teens and adults alike could benefit from making a commitment to these five New Year’s resolutions for safe driving:
1. Stay Focused: Commit to minimizing distractions while driving. This includes avoiding phone use, eating, reaching for objects, or engaging in conversations that take your attention away from the road.
2. Follow Speed Limits: Resolve to always adhere to speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions. This helps in maintaining control of the vehicle and reacting to unexpected situations.
2a. Never, ever, EVER run a red light again. Yellow means slow down, not gun it and possibly cause a life-altering or life-ending collision.
2b. If you are the first car in line at a red light that turns green, take at least 3 seconds to scan for drivers not following Resolution 2a. You will be SO glad you did.
3. Use Seatbelts: Make it a habit to buckle up every time you get in the car, regardless of the distance you plan to travel. Encourage all passengers to do the same. Statistically, 50% of passenger vehicle occupants killed are not wearing a seatbelt . . . that is a huge number and 100% controllable.
4. Practice Defensive Driving: Aim to be more aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. This includes keeping a safe distance and being prepared for sudden stops or turns. At 65 miles per hour, you are traveling 95 feet per second, or nearly a football field in just THREE seconds! Be sure to create space between yourself and other drivers, especially at this rate of speed. Slow down and give yourself more time to respond to hazards, road conditions, and unexpected changes in traffic patterns.
5. NEVER Drive Under the Influence or When Overtired: Pledge to never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs, or even when sleep-deprived. All of these factors can dramatically affect your ability to safely navigate a vehicle, and respond to other drivers and road conditions. Plan for alternative transportation options if you know you will be drinking or if you are feeling unwell.
These resolutions will contribute to safer driving conditions for you and others on the road, and are well worth the time and repetition it will take to turn them into great habits.
Teen Road to Safety – Temecula is proud to offer complete concierge service: Online Driver’s Education, one-on-one Behind-the-Wheel lesson packages of 6 to 20 hours with expert Law Enforcement Officers as instructors, Advanced Training hosted once a month in South Orange County. Behind-the-Wheel teen safety is our passion and purpose, and we will gladly partner with you to ensure your student becomes a safe and confident driver.
For more information and pricing:
Visit: https://teenroadtosafety.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/trtstemecula
Email: temecula@teenroadtosafety.com
Call: 855-81-DRIVE
