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As we look forward to 2017, we do so with positive anticipation and consideration of our 2017 New Year’s resolutions. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, roughly one in three Americans resolve to better themselves in some way; 47 percent resolve to get training or education; 38 percent resolve to lose weight or become healthier; 34 percent resolve to manage their money better, and 31 percent resolve to improve relationships. (Percentage is above 100 percent because of multiple resolutions.)

How many Americans resolve to be safer drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles or safer bicycle riders?

Experts agree that automotive design and safety features are making a difference in reducing injuries and deaths, but modifying driver/rider behavior is a key element.

Consumer Reports, as well as traffic schools and other safety organizations, suggest the following 15 New Year’s resolutions be made and kept:

1. Never drink and drive. Over 10,265 people died in drunk-driving crashes in 2015. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver; hand over your keys, or call a cab.
2. Do not use a cell phone when behind the wheel. In 2011, over 3,300 people died in crashes related to using a cell phone or texting while driving. Put the phone down or pull over to use it. If you cannot control the urge, use an app to block the phone from being operated while driving.
3. Drive the speed limit. Speeding is a factor in about one-third of all fatal crashes. With high-speed crashes, the forces are so severe, it is hard to maintain survival space in the vehicle, and the body can be traumatized from the deceleration and impact, even without hitting another vehicle. In addition, when you crash at high speeds, air bags and safety belts cannot protect occupants to their maximum benefit because of the force, so injury levels become severe.
4. Always buckle up. New research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that nationwide seat belt use is at 86 percent, an all-time high. However, many people are still killed because they simply failed to 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. Make it a habit to buckle each and every time, even for short drives, and do not start driving until you know passengers are buckled, as well.
5. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians make up 13 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths each year and bicyclists less than 2 percent. Drivers need to be especially diligent around crosswalks and remember to look both ways for bikes even on one-way streets. Likewise, pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings, not walk distracted, and wear bright and/or reflective clothing at night.
6. 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. (Here is a link to Safercar.gov to see its recommendations for car seats.)
7. 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 reducing head injuries.
8. Protect teen drivers. If you are the parent of a teen driver, make sure he/she follows all the graduated licensing rules in your state. If they are not strict enough, enforce your own rules such as always wearing a seat belt, no texting, limit teen passengers, and prohibit late-night driving.
9. Maintain your vehicle and tires. Performing regular tire checks and routine maintenance will help to ensure your vehicle will stay in optimal condition. This will aid performance, fuel economy, and tire wear.
10. Do not tailgate. Tailgating is dangerous, and it limits your reaction time drastically. Make sure to leave proper space between you and the others around you.
11. Use your turn signals and mirrors. Always look when entering a lane of traffic or passing another vehicle. Get into the habit of using your turn signals and side-view mirrors.
12. Give motorcycles extra following and passing distance. Instead of outright braking, many motorcyclists roll off the throttle or downshift to slow down; so their brake lights may not always alert you to a bike’s stop. It is recommended that drivers allow 3 to 4 seconds of following time for motorcycles, and always assume that when approaching a stop at an intersection a motorcyclist will brake.
13. Yield to cyclists. Bicycles in Florida are considered vehicles. Observe the “3-foot law,” and give bicyclists the appropriate right of way. At intersections, allow extra time for bicyclists.
14. Observe all traffic signs. Be careful when driving or riding bicycles. Everyone must observe all traffic signs such as Stop and Yield.
15. Stay alert and be well rested. Driving requires undivided attention. If on an extended trip, stop to stretch every couple of hours to avoid drowsy driving.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. Should you be injured in a vehicle accident, please contact our experienced team for assistance. There are no costs or attorney fees until you win,” said Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.