2020 is here and countless Americans will make New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, and abolish bad habits. But, one of the areas we could all work on is our driving.

What if we all made New Year’s resolutions to drive more safely next year? If you agree, here are 5 ways to make it happen as 2020 unfolds.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2020

#1 Stop Driving While Distracted

Ask any auto body specialist, and they’ll tell you that distracted driving is a major problem; especially for younger drivers. Here are some ways that you can safely stay focused on the road:

Don’t eat and drive – Your burger will still taste good later.
Set aside your cell phone and other electronic devices – That text message from your friend won’t disappear just because you’re driving.
Turn down the radio – How can you hear emergency vehicles when your radio’s blaring?
Don’t reach for dropped items – Again, the world won’t end when you drop your cell phone on the floor.
Secure pets in the back seat – Put your pupper in a car carrier, or use a pet gate to keep them in the back. Also, never drive with a pet on your lap!

#2 Don’t Drive When Impaired

Nearly all of us know someone who was seriously injured in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, usually one under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The number of accidents related to prescription opioids and legal marijuana is rising. People should take advantage of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft and not risk wrecking their car.

Another way of impaired driving is being too tired as well. For example, road trips. You should stop at a rest area or hotel if you’re too tired, get some sleep, and then hit the road again when you’re well-rested.

#3 Drive More Defensively

Because of the increase in distracted and impaired drivers, it’s doubly important to drive defensively in order to avoid an accident. To do so, use these tips:

Slow down – Adjust your speed accordingly based on weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
Anticipate hazards – Anticipate that other drivers will do something careless.
Utilize vehicle safety features – Modern cars and truckers have backup cameras and blind-spot sensors. Learn how to use them right.

#4 Adjust To Weather Conditions

As was mentioned earlier, the number one rule when driving in poor weather conditions is slow down. In addition, here are some other weather-related precautions you should take to help keep you and your occupants safer.

Clean off your windows – If your windows are not really clean, you can’t see other vehicles properly. It takes a few minutes to clean them, do it!
Use headlights – When any form of precipitation is falling, it’s foggy, or the sun’s not out, turn on your headlights so others can see you, and you can see them.
Fit your vehicle with reliable tires – Make sure that your tires are up to the task by having them inspected by a pro, notably before a long trip. In addition to tire tread, also check the pressure routinely.

#5 Maintain Your Vehicle

You need to make sure that your vehicle is always in a safe operating condition. That means routine inspections and maintenance by a trusted mechanic. Have them check these systems based upon manufacturer-recommended intervals found in your owner’s manual:

Brakes and brake lights
Oil and oil filter
Suspension, steering, and alignment
Wiper blades
Fluid levels, hoses, and belts
Transmission and transmission fluid
Radiator, coolant, and hoses

New Year’s Resolutions to Drive Safely This 2020 At Sudden Impact Auto

Even when making a resolution to drive more safely in 2020, accidents will happen. If one happens to you, take your vehicle to Sudden Impact Auto. Our technicians have the equipment, training, and experience to restore your vehicle like-new again promptly and reliably. Call us at 702-457-3002 for a free inspection.