The new year has begun! Everyone has put 2014 in the books and wants to start 2015 off right. Whether it is to get rid of an old habit, improving an existing habit or making a change to increase healthy living, everyone makes a new year’s resolution. At Ginarte we would like to challenge everyone to take part in our New Year’s Resolution, by becoming a safer driver in 2015.

With the increase in technology, driving has become more of a secondary task when we are in our cars. Becoming more aware and focused on driving should be our only goal when we are in the driver’s seat. Getting from point A to point B safely and efficiently is a new year’s resolution everyone can partake in. Below we have listed 7 ways to being a safer driver in the year 2015.

Tip #1: Obey Traffic Laws.

This one should be a no brainer; however we see this tip not being followed all the time. When you are traveling try to research the traffic laws of an unfamiliar area or refresh yourself on the laws of your commonly travels roads. By having a full understanding of the traffic laws during your journey, you can make the road safer.

Tip #2: Keep Your Vehicle Safe.

While understanding the traffic laws of the roads you are traveling is very important, so is operating a vehicle in proper running condition. Making sure you have a sufficient amount of tread on your tire will help during unsafe weather conditions. Rain, snow or ice can cause unsafe conditions when driving on tires with minimum tread.

Another tip for keeping a vehicle safe is making sure all running lights are working properly. Headlights will help to make the road you are traveling on visible. When traveling at night or weather conditions that can cause the visibility to be limited, the use of lights has the possibility of improving the situation. Ensuring the car’s taillights and break lights are working properly is also beneficial. This will help other drivers know that you are stepping on your break peddle to slow down so they can react accordingly. These are a just a few items to check for proper vehicle safety. There are many other items that should be inspected and checked to ensure they are in proper operation status.

Tip #3: Practice Defensive Driving.

Practicing defensive driving tactics is another way to becoming a safe driver in 2015. There are several government agencies, private schools and nonprofit organizations that offer courses that can improve your driving skills. These courses can help improve your driving skills in a variety of areas. Defensive driving will help you learn the ways of anticipating dangerous situations as well as mastering the rules of the road and basic mechanics of driving.

Although the actions of other drivers cannot be controlled, you can put yourself in a position to drive safely and follow the traffic laws by taking one of the many familiar courses that are offered.

Tip #4: Leave Extra Time When Traveling in Bad Weather.

Providing extra time when driving in bad weather can help you towards obtaining the goal of becoming a safe driver in 2015. By leaving ample time to arrive at your destination you can eliminate the urge to speed or drive aggressively, especially when the conditions are unfavorable. Adding extra travel time can help allot for delays due to traffic, an accident on the road or inclement weather conditions. The worse the conditions are, a larger amount of extra travel time should be calculated.

Tip #5: Wear A Seatbelt.

Seatbelts in cars are meant to protect lives. Safely strapping yourself in will help keep you safe in the event that you are in an accident. When driving a car, although it might not feel like it but any person in that car is traveling at the same speed. When the car is brought to an abrupt halt the body will continue to travel at the previous speed unless strapped in correctly, especially at higher speeds. By wearing a safety belt you decrease the risk of moving around the cabin of the car in the event an accident occurs.

Tip #6: Do Not Speed.

Each road that you travel has a specific speed limit that has been determined to be appropriate and safe. These limits are usually posted on signage located near the sides of the road, sometimes including minimum speed limits, maximum speed limits, night speed limits or even truck speed limits. Traveling below the maximum speeds limit improves your chances of arriving at your destination safely as you are driving within the traffic safety laws for those roadways. Always be aware of the speed limits as in some cases speed limits can change even though you are on the same street. For example some streets can have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour in one section and 25 miles per hour in another section. This is commonly seen on roads that are located near schools as it helps increase the safety of area students walking and crossing streets.

Tip #7: Do Not Drink and Drive.

“Stay Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive” “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” are some of the commercials/slogans that are publicized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Driving intoxicated can impair a person’s judgment, which can potentially lead to an accident, sometime being fatal. By choosing not to drive after indulging in alcoholic beverages will help keep the roadways safer. There are many other options besides having a person who is impaired get behind the wheel.

That concludes our post on how to become a safe driver in 2015. These tips can improve the amount of safe drivers on the road and help lower the chance of an accident. Abiding by the traffic laws and preparing yourself for travel can keep the roads safe.

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