The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported that traffic fatalities in Minnesota rose 14% in the year 2015. Although 2016’s numbers aren’t out yet, you can bet that they didn’t go down to zero. Simple changes in the way you drive can make a huge difference - maybe even save a life.
Next to drunk driving, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatalities in traffic crashes. This year, resolve to make the roads safe for yourself and everyone else around you. We gathered our top 10 safe driving new years resolution ideas in hopes that everyone will make an effort to lower the total number of traffic crashes this year!
- Never Drink and Drive. Being the leading cause of fatalities, it is most important to always remember this. It may be heard a lot but it surely needs to be said more often. Make a plan, call a cab, or stay home when consuming alcohol.
- Make sure you are well rested before getting behind the wheel. Tired driving is distracted driving and isn’t recognized as much as it should be.
- Leave enough room in front of the car. Especially during the winter months, you never know how long it will take you to stop. Make sure you’re slowing down early enough to avoid any potential collisions.
- Obey the speed limit. Driving too fast causes drivers to lose control over their vehicles. Being a little late to wherever you are going is not as important as your life.
- Pay attention to the weather and terrain. Rain, snow, sleet and hail can be dangerous on the roads. Know how to drive in every condition and make sure you have a vehicle that can handle the unpredictable Minnesota weather.
- Stop at that light. Yellow means slow down, not speed up! The fine for running a red light in Minnesota is $128. Smashing into a car that has the right of way will cost you much more.
- Focus, focus, focus! Don’t multitask while you are driving - no eating, no applying make-up, and absolutely no cell phone! Your main focus is the road and protecting yourself and the people around you.
- Give yourself enough time to reach your destination. Start leaving a little earlier for work in the morning so you aren’t rushing on the roads. Allow yourself plenty of time for train delays, accidents, construction or traffic to ensure you are calm and focused behind the wheel.
- Wear Your seatbelt. According to the CDC, seat belts cut the risk of death in an automobile accident in half. You might not like to wear it, they may be uncomfortable at times, but be sure to ALWAYS buckle your seat belt!
- Keep Your vehicle safe. Staying up-to-date on your car’s maintenance will not only ensure a longer lasting car but also keep you safe in the process. Check out our service center to get your vehicle scheduled for a maintenance inspection to safeguard your driving this year.
Driving a car is a privilege for all ages. It’s fun and it makes travel more convenient, but it can also be dangerous. Resolve to make your driving habits safer this year. Which resolution will you set for yourself?
