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“As we enter 2018, we begin to think about things we want to do differently in the New Year. Usually resolutions center on weight loss goals, breaking bad habits, or financial goals. The list needs to include a resolution to make changes for the better in our driving habits so we have a safer 2018. Here are 6 resolutions we recommend that every driver should think about making,” said Randall Spivey, Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer. 

1. Drive defensively (Source: DriveSafely.net) 

How can you drive defensively? Never make assumptions about what other drivers are going to do. 

• Instead of proceeding through an intersection when it is your right-of-way, take a moment to look first and then pass through. 

• Never enter a roadway in front of a driver based on his or her turn signal being on. Instead, wait for the vehicle to either complete a turn or otherwise pass by you before continuing on your way. 

• Maintain a proper following distance from the car in front of you so you have an escape route if something goes wrong. 

• Scan the road ahead of you so you can anticipate hazards. 

2. Never drink and drive (Source: QuitAlcohol.com) 

An average of 12,000 people die every year in DUI-related accidents. While national averages have dropped by half over the past 35 years, there is still an ongoing problem with drinking and driving.

Vehicle accidents are the primary danger associated with drinking and driving. Consuming too much alcohol impairs your ability to use your common sense and think long-term. It also slows your reaction time and makes it difficult for your brain to process information. When you are not able to pay attention to the vehicles around you and your reaction times are slower because of alcohol, you might not hit the brakes soon enough, which can cause serious accidents. 

Not only is drinking and driving against the law, it is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Do not drink and drive. Make the right choice and put your keys down if you have been drinking. 

3. Do not drive while distracted (Source: NHTSA) 

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system, anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2016, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. 

During daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. That creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads.  

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) suggests that grooming activities and eating breakfast be done before leaving home. Adjusting the radio, Bluetooth or navigation system should be done before leaving the garage or parking space. Keep your cellphone in the glove compartment or your purse so you are not tempted to answer calls or text. 

4. Buckle up (Source: Edmunds.com) 

U.S. traffic deaths have declined nearly 25 percent over the past decade, but people still die in car crashes. Seatbelts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths among drivers and passengers by about 50 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Despite those statistics, many people neglect to buckle up. 

Inform your family that you will be enforcing a seatbelt rule this year that applies to everyone in the vehicle including the pets. Whether it is a journey down the highway or a mile across town, stick to it. 

5. Use turn signals (Source: Chicago Tribune) 

Vehicles communicate in a number of ways, and though they do not yet talk to each other, there are clear indicators about a driver's intentions. The most obvious and intentional one is the turn signal. Use it when changing lanes and turning so drivers can react accordingly. 

6. Follow the speed limit (Source: Consumer Reports) 

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 the vehicle structure. 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. 

“From all of us at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. we wish you a safe 2018. If you or a loved one is injured in a vehicle accident, please contact us to determine your rights. We are available 24/7,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer, 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.