Since it’s almost 2013, it’s time to decide what habits you want to make (or break) going into the new year! Make 2013 the year you resolve to stay safe when driving. Try following these 10 New Year’s safety resolutions from Consumer Reports:
- Always buckle up. Seat belts save over 12,000 lives a year by protecting passengers from hitting hard vehicle surfaces or being ejected from the vehicle in a crash.
- Not use my cell phone behind the wheel. In 2010, over 3,000 people died in crashes related to using a cell phone or texting while driving. Put the phone down or pull over to use it.
- Never drink and drive or drive drowsy. Over 10,000 people die in drunk driving car crashes each year. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or hand over your keys.
- Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians make up 12 percent of all motor vehicle deaths each year and bicyclists about 2 percent. Drivers need to be especially diligent around crosswalks and remember to look both ways for bikes even on one-way streets.
- Drive the speed limit. Speeding is a factor in about one-third of all fatal crashes.
- Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Studies show that the use of motorcycle helmets is 42 percent effective at preventing deaths and 69 percent effective at preventing head injuries.
- Model good behavior when driving children around. Children learn from their parents. Don’t show them bad habits.
- Always use a proper car seat. Children under age 8 should be secured in a proper car seat and all children under 12 should be in the back seat.
- Stop at red lights. Red light running killed 676 people and injured 113,000 in 2009 and most of those killed were occupants in other vehicles. Stop at red lights and slow down on yellow.
- Maintain your vehicle and tires. Performing regular tire checks and routine maintenance will help to ensure your vehicle will stay in optimal condition.
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