Now that the calendar year has flipped to 2025, many of us focus on personal goals. Whether it's getting in shape, learning a new skill, or spending more time with loved ones, self-improvement often takes center stage. But how often do we think about improving our driving habits? Safer driving doesn’t just protect you; it prevents car accidents and safeguards your loved ones and everyone else on the road. This year, consider adopting resolutions that make every journey safer and set a positive example for others.
What are 10 safer driving goals to start this year?
To stay safe on the road this year, consider make these safer driving habits a part of your routine:
Wear a seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle
Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash. Position the shoulder belt across the center of your chest, away from your neck, and place the lap belt across your hips (not your stomach). Avoid tucking the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm, as this reduces its effectiveness and increases your risk of injury. Before you drive off, ensure all passengers are properly buckled up.
Ensure children ride safely
Children need the right car seat, and it’s important to install it correctly. Use NHTSA’s car seat guidelines to determine the best option based on your child’s age, weight, and height. Certified technicians at car seat inspection stations can double-check your installation. Keep children under 13 in the back seat, where they are safest, and follow all transition recommendations for boosters and seat belts.
Drive sober every time
Impaired driving, whether caused by alcohol or drugs, is a deadly risk. In 2022, over 13,500 people died in drunk driving crashes that could have been prevented. To avoid a crash, plan ahead before heading to events where you may drink. Use a rideshare (e.g., Uber or Lyft), call a taxi, or designate a sober driver. Hosting a party? Take responsibility for your guests by ensuring they have safe rides home. Never allow someone impaired to get behind the wheel.
Eliminate distractions
Distracted driving includes more than just texting. Eating, adjusting the radio, chatting with passengers, and even using navigation systems take your focus off the road. Roughly 3,308 traffic fatalities happened across the U.S. in 2022 due to distracted driving. To make our roads safer, put your phone away, keep your hands on the wheel, and give the road your full attention. Every second you stay alert reduces the likelihood of a crash.
Stick to the speed limit
Speeding not only increases the risk of a crash but also worsens the severity of injuries. In fact, speeding led to 12,151 road deaths in 2022. Adjust your speed for road conditions, such as during bad weather or in construction zones. Speeding isn’t just about exceeding the limit; it includes driving too fast for conditions such as heavy rain, wind, and on rare occasions, snow and ice.
Stay alert, avoid drowsy driving
Drowsy driving can impair reaction times and decision-making as much as drunk driving. Data shows that it caused 693 crash fatalities in the U.S. during 2022. That's why it's important to get adequate sleep every day, especially before long trips. If you take medications that cause drowsiness, avoid driving until you’re fully alert. If you find yourself nodding off at the wheel, pull over in a safe area and rest. Also, recognize the signs of fatigue, such as crossing lane lines or hitting rumble strips, and act before it’s too late.
Share the road respectfully
Drivers don’t own the road; they share it with motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Look twice for motorcyclists, as their smaller size makes them harder to spot. Give bicyclists enough space and respect their right to use the road. Slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and remain vigilant in hard-to-see conditions, such as at night or in poor weather.
Adhere to flashing lights
When you see a vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the roadside, move over to a non-adjacent lane if possible. If you can’t switch lanes safely, slow down significantly. Texas enforces a Move Over law to protect emergency responders, tow truck drivers, and other roadside workers. Be mindful around school buses as well. Slow down when their yellow lights flash, and stop when red lights and the stop arm are activated. Watch for children crossing even when the lights are off.
Educate your teen driver
If you have a teen driver at home, take an active role in their road safety education. Teach them to buckle up, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions. Also, limit the number of passengers they drive with to minimize risks. Model good driving behavior by following the same rules you expect them to obey. Your involvement can shape their habits for a lifetime of safe driving.
Check for vehicle recalls
Vehicle recalls address safety issues that may put you at risk. Check for recalls at least twice a year using your vehicle’s license plate or VIN at NHTSA.gov/Recalls. Sign up for email alerts or download the SaferCar app to receive automatic notifications. Schedule free repairs promptly if a recall affects your vehicle. Don’t forget to check recalls for car seats, tires, and other equipment, ensuring every aspect of your vehicle is road-ready.
Hurt in a Laredo, TX car accident? Justice is just a call away!
While you can practice safe driving habits, you can't predict or control the actions of everyone else on the road. Accidents are, unfortunately, inevitable, and it only takes one negligent driver to cause a crash that leaves you or someone you love with severe injuries.
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