Every year many of us make New Year’s resolutions. They seem to be part of the passage from one year to the next. When thinking about making these resolutions, why not include making safety on the road a priority?

Here are 8 tips for road-travel safety:

1. Buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that a total of 23,714 drivers and passengers in passenger vehicles died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. Between 53 – 62 percent of teens (aged 13-19 years) and adults aged 20-44 years who died in crashes in 2016 were not buckled up at the time of the crash.
2. Secure your kids. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 3 and 12. The law says that children are to be in appropriate seats that are properly installed.
3. Do not speed. Speeding was involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the last two decades. In 2016, NHTSA reported speeding was a contributing factor in 27 percent of all fatal crashes.
4. Do not drive distracted. No call or text is worth losing your life or killing someone else. Experts agree, drivers need to focus on the road and avoid any distractions.
5. Do not drive impaired. The FBI reported that more than 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2016. That is 1 percent of the 111 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.
6. Look around. Every vehicle has a blind zone. Some are larger than others. The NHTSA says about 50 children are backed over every week. If you do not have a rearview camera, make sure you are diligent about checking mirrors and looking over your shoulder before backing up. If you still cannot see well, get out and walk around to make sure nothing is in your way.
7. Use your signals. By alerting other drivers of your intention to turn, you can help prepare other motorists and bicyclists around you.
8. Conduct preventive maintenance. Keeping vehicles properly maintained on a schedule consistent with owners’ manuals is one way to avoid potential problems before they occur. Tire pressure, tire wear and tear, and fluid and battery maintenance should all be top priorities when operating a vehicle. 

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. wish everyone a Happy New Year and urge everyone to make safety a priority for every day in 2019. However, should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident, after seeking medical attention, please call our firm. We have the experience to assist in determining your rights, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Randall Spivey, Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorney.

Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.