8 Driver’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2019

A New Year means new to places to travel—which also means new areas to drive past, drive through, and drive in. Before you hit the road to celebrate this New Year and do all the things on that resolution list, here are some driver’s New Year’s resolutions for 2019 to help keep you safe on the road.

1. Keep Your Car Maintained. Routine maintenance will keep your ride revving and ready to go. Remember to perform regular tire checks, look for leaks, and send your vehicle in for service at regular intervals. This will  extend your car’s life—allowing it to run longer.
2. Watch Out for Weather. If you have to head out when the weather is bad, be ready to handle the challenges that you could face. Keep a windshield scraper handy if it’s icy—and regularly replace your windshield wipers when they seem the least bit worn..
3. Signal to Others. Properly signaling, even with something as simple as your “blinker,” can keep accidents at bay. Pay attention to others on the roadways and always broadcast what you want to do and where you want to go.
4. Don’t Drink and Drive. This tip rings especially true given the New Year and all the celebration that ensues—and should probably top the driver’s New Year’s resolutions for 2019. Driving drunk (or drowsy) can easily lead to crashes—and many times those can be fatal. Call a cab or a friend if you’ve been drinking too heavily. It may just save your life and someone else’s.
5. Cut Out the Cell Phone Use. Studies have shown that texting while driving carries the same risks as drunk or drowsy driving. The text can wait—those few characters aren’t worth your safety or even life.
6. Click It or Ticket. Be sure to buckle up. Not only is it the law, but it could just keep you and yours safe from harm. This tidbit may just help you not get a ticket this New Year—and prevent a far worse scenario.
7. Stop on Red. Don’t just roll—stop. Red-light running may seem like an obvious no-no, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t follow this rule of the road. Be cautious and courteous in busy intersections; it may just save your life and others.
8. Drive the Speed Limit. While all the speeders may be snickering, driving as close as possible to the speed limit may not only save you from a traffic stop—it could also save you period. It’s reported that in one-third of fatal car crashes, speeding was a factor. Slowing down just took on a whole new meaning.

This concludes our driver’s New Year’s resolutions for 2019. Want more helpful tips and tidbits to keep you and your passengers safe on the roads this New Year? Check out our blog and we’ll keep you up-to-date on all the vehicle virtues and vices, news, and more! Your ride in need of a makeover in celebration of the New Year? Head to our location on Skyland Boulevard East in Tuscaloosa and we’ll leave your car sparkly clean and ready to roll.