New Year's Resolutions for Safe Driving

Photo: carcrashes.com

Watch the car ahead of the one in front  of me –  That will give  me a few more milliseconds to react to a brake light or a swerve that indicates some obstacle or other danger ahead.  And, I will use my directional signals every time I intend to change lanes, and check the rearview and both side view mirrors before I pull out.

I resolve to watch out for drivers who seem to be driving erratically or aggressively, by tailgating, wobbling within a lane or drifting into another, or swooshing across lanes to pass those within the speed limit, especially on holiday weekends like New Year’s Eve.  I will get out of your way without worrying whether your bad driving is because of tiredness or having consumed beverages containing something other than caffeine, or because of sheer stupidity, which includes dialing a cell phone or texting while driving. 

Photo: Car and Driver

No texting or dialing while driving  – A study by the Insurance Information Institute indicates motorists using a handheld phone to dial or text are four times as likely to get into an accident.  Four times!  Maybe that’s why a growing number of states are legislating against it, including New York and California.  President Obama signed an order in October 2009 prohibiting federal employees  from texting while driving US government vehicles.  A recent survey indicated 90% of us think driving while texting is OMG stupid, not LOL.

No drinking and driving — Of course, I resolve not to drink and drive, or be a passenger in a vehicle whose driver is under the influence, since even a single drink can impair actions and reactions.  Must be that’s why DWI and DUI is a crime or offense in every US state, and in most countries of the world. 

Oh, yes, finally — I resolve to be sure to have the keys in my hand before close the car door behind me. 

Happy — and safe — driving in 2010.