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New Year’s resolutions for drivers reflect common sense
At this time of year, everyone hopes to close the book on bad habits and resolves to do better. Experts agree that many people break their New Year's resolutions because they set unrealistic goals for themselves. However, there are common driving behaviors drivers can resolve to improve for this New Year, which are not only attainable, but can make it a safer year for everyone.
"Bad driving is often just a habit you get into," said Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "It can take as few as 21 days for people to adopt a new habit. So, drivers can help ensure that 2009 is safer for themselves and others on the road in a relatively short period of time." He offered a few New Year's Resolutions for drivers.
Use your turn signal. Letting other drivers know where you are heading avoids crashes.
Stay calm. Don't compound another driver's foolish driving maneuver by making one of your own. Don't overreact to events that can lead to road rage.
Know where you are going. And, if you do make a wrong turn, just keep going. More often than not, you can return to the correct road pretty quickly and do it without endangering others.
Maintain your car. Check all fluid levels, change the oil if it's due, clean the car's windshield, windows and headlights. Make sure your lights and directional lights are working properly, check the tire tread and air pressure.
Sleep. Rest can be your best defensive driving weapon. Long hours behind the wheel, particularly at night, make you drowsy, less alert to danger and increase your response time.
Stop multi-tasking. Eating, reading and talking on a cell phone (even hands-free) while driving are distracting.
NEVER drink and drive. And, be alert for drivers who may not be as safe as you are.
Get emergency kits. A first aid kit should minimally include bandages, tape, wash and dry cloth and a topical antiseptic. A car kit should include oil, anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluids, basic tools, signal flare, flashlight (with fully charged batteries) and duct tape.
Additional information on this and other car and homeowner topics is available at www.response.com/safety.
"Bad driving is often just a habit you get into," said Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "It can take as few as 21 days for people to adopt a new habit. So, drivers can help ensure that 2009 is safer for themselves and others on the road in a relatively short period of time." He offered a few New Year's Resolutions for drivers.
Use your turn signal. Letting other drivers know where you are heading avoids crashes.
Stay calm. Don't compound another driver's foolish driving maneuver by making one of your own. Don't overreact to events that can lead to road rage.
Know where you are going. And, if you do make a wrong turn, just keep going. More often than not, you can return to the correct road pretty quickly and do it without endangering others.
Maintain your car. Check all fluid levels, change the oil if it's due, clean the car's windshield, windows and headlights. Make sure your lights and directional lights are working properly, check the tire tread and air pressure.
Sleep. Rest can be your best defensive driving weapon. Long hours behind the wheel, particularly at night, make you drowsy, less alert to danger and increase your response time.
Stop multi-tasking. Eating, reading and talking on a cell phone (even hands-free) while driving are distracting.
NEVER drink and drive. And, be alert for drivers who may not be as safe as you are.
Get emergency kits. A first aid kit should minimally include bandages, tape, wash and dry cloth and a topical antiseptic. A car kit should include oil, anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluids, basic tools, signal flare, flashlight (with fully charged batteries) and duct tape.
Additional information on this and other car and homeowner topics is available at www.response.com/safety.
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