Many people make resolutions at the end of December in an effort to improve their lives in the upcoming year, and while common New Year’s resolutions such as exercising more and eating less fatty foods may help people live happier, longer lives, some safety experts are recommending drivers take the opportunity to resolve to take steps to prevent one of the most common killers in the United States — auto accidents. By making the following New Year’s resolutions for safer driving auto safety experts say drivers can reduce the number of collisions that occur on American roadways in 2013.
More people than ever are remembering to buckle their auto safety belts before hitting the road, according to the most recent data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with approximately 86 percent of the drivers surveyed reporting that they use their seat belts as mandated by state and federal traffic laws. Experts estimate that more than 12,000 accident victims are spared from sustaining fatal injuries by their seat belts each year, and safety advocates strongly recommend that drivers resolve to double check their seat belt buckles in the coming new year, even on short car trips. Passengers in the front and back seat as well as the driver benefit from extra protection with their seat belts fastened, experts say.
Additionally, more than 9,800 people were killed in auto accidents involving a drunk driver in 2011, a number that accounts for more than 30 percent of all fatal collisions and a statistic safety advocates hope will be drastically reduced in the near future as more motorists realize the potential dangers they are creating for themselves and others when they get behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content in excess of the legal limit. Advocates urge motorists to resolve not to drive under the influence of alcohol. Calling a cab or designating a sober driver before a night out on the town can prevent tragedy from occurring in 2013.
According to the most recent accident statistics, pedestrians on average are killed in approximately 13 percent of all fatal traffic accidents, a rate safety experts suggest could drop significantly if drivers would resolve to better obey pedestrian right-of-way laws in the future, paying extra attention in areas of high foot traffic and near cross walks and school zones. Pedestrians could reduce the likelihood they will be struck by a car by wearing brighter clothes and remaining vigilant in the presence of approaching vehicles.
More than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents involving a driver talking or text messaging on a handheld cellphone while behind the wheel in 2011. Resolving to hang up and drive in 2013 could potentially save thousands of lives, safety experts advise.
