Safety Resolutions for 2021

The new year brings new resolutions.

The injury attorneys at Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton have laid out seven safe driving resolutions for the new year to become a safer driver:

Do Not Text and Drive

You have probably seen these signs and marquises while driving through different states before:

• “Stay alive; don’t text and drive.”
• “Texting and Driving: A Grave Mistake.”
• “Texting your life away just got literal.”

There is truth behind all these sayings as texting causes over 14% of fatal car crashes every year. Out of all 50 states, 48 of them ban all drivers from texting while driving.

Buckle Up

Always, always, always wear a seatbelt while in a vehicle. Studies show that car occupants are 30 times more likely to get ejected during a crash if they do not wear their seatbelt.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 48% of vehicle occupants killed in US car accidents are unrestrained. So, always make sure to buckle up!

Pay Attention

While paying attention may be a “no-brainer” for most, many people fail to give their full attention to the road. One of the primary causes of deadly car accidents is distracted driving. Using the phone is one of the most dangerous distractions and increases a driver’s chance of crashing by 12 times, while at the same time, child passengers can cause 12 times the distraction for a driver than using a cell phone. The most frequent cause of distracted driving—an alarming 62%—is being lost in thought by letting your mind wander. So, staying alert and paying attention is always the best course of action.

Obey Driving Laws

Always drive with caution and follow the law. Reduced speed limits and restricted turning have legitimate reasons, and they are there to keep you and your loved ones safe. Be sure to:

• Use your turn signals
• Avoid any unnecessary lane changes
• Avoid tailgating
• Drive the posted speed limit
• Stop at red lights and stop signs
• Always check your blind spots

Practicing defensive driving may be an excellent New Year’s resolution to include on your list.

Keep Track of Weather Conditions

The weather is not always avoidable but driving in it may be if you prepare yourself. Bad weather affects traction, visibility, and your ability to control and maneuver your car through traffic. If you cannot avoid driving in poor weather, go slowly and with a great deal of caution. Safe driving skills are even more important in bad or inclement weather.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Breakdowns can cause significant and immediate danger while you sit on the side of the road waiting for help. Taking your car for regularly scheduled tune-ups is critical to avoid such things as tire blowouts, brake failure, and fuel leaks. Taking the initiative to correct or repair an issue before it becomes a problem is the best option. Maintain your vehicle with routine tune-ups, tire checks and rotations, oil changes, fluid checks, and spark plug replacements to avoid putting yourself and others at risk of an accident.

Drive Defensively but Avoid Road Rage

Drive your car like no one else knows how to drive theirs. If someone is trying to antagonize you by driving erratically, aggressively, tailgating, swerving in and out of traffic, or speeding past you as you go the speed limit, just let them go. Get out of their way, and do not worry about why they are driving the way they are. If you feel uncomfortable, pull over and safely dial 911 to report them. Otherwise, go about your day as if nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

Our Injury Attorneys Are Ready to Help if Your Resolutions Go Awry

Have you suffered injuries from a car crash? Are you the victim of a distracted motorist or a drunk driver? Then the Birmingham car accident attorneys at Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton may be able to help! Since 1890, our law firm has been helping people with personal injury cases, including car crashes. You do not have to face the repercussions of what you and your loved ones have been through alone–our Birmingham car accident lawyers are here for you and want to offer you a free consultation to review your case and discuss how we can address your concerns. Contact us today.