Happy New Year from all of us at the CarPro! We wish you a safe commute and journey throughout the year ahead. Stats show the roads are more dangerous than in pre-pandemic times. In its new Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) study, AAA found speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving to be the most prevalent dangerous habits. Researchers also say many study respondents admitted to driving dangerously at least once in the previous 30 days. This said, here are easy New Year's resolutions that will put you on the road to safer driving in 2025.
9 Ways To Be A Safer Driver in 2025
1. Resolve not to drive distracted.
The latest statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration cite that distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, 8 percent of all traffic fatalities.
A recent AAA study also found that many drivers reported sending a text/email (27%), reading a text/email (37%), or holding and talking on a phone (36%) while driving in the past 30 days.
Resolve to:
- Never text and drive. Put your cell phone down and focus on the road.
- Set your destination in your navigation before heading out on the road.
- Speak up when you're a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to call or text for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.
- Always be an engaged driver even if advanced driver assistance safety (ADAS) technologies are in use. Also resolve to know how they work and to understand their limitations.
- Take the NHTSA pledge.
2. Resolve not to drive aggressively.
A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report found that 11 percent of respondents self-reported distracted and aggressive driving behaviors.
Resolve to follow these AAA tips to prevent road rage:
- Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes, or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
- Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
- Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 9-1-1 if needed.
3. Resolve to never drive impaired.
NHTSA figures show that in 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. Many substances can impair driving, not just alcohol. Others include some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and of course illegal drugs.
Resolve to:
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Drive sober and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Designate a sober driver and take keys from impaired friends.
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Call a cab or use a service like Uber or Lyft to get home safely.
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Check with your pharmacist about prescription medications that could cause impairment.
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Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
4. Resolve not to speed or run red lights.
The NTHSA reports 12,151 speeding-related death in 2022. Of those, 52 percent of speeding passenger vehicle drivers in fatal crashes in 2022 weren't wearing seatbelts.
Red light running is also a big safety issue. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that in 2022, 1,149 people were killed in crashes that involved red light running.
Resolve to:
- Obey the speed limit and avoid running red lights.
5. Resolve to always slow down for First Responders, Roadside Assistance Crews and Work Zone Crews.
First responders and roadside crews put their lives on the line every day responding to motorist crashes and drivers in distress. According to NHTSA, 87 law enforcement officers were killed when struck by a vehicle from 2017-2021. 29 were struck while on a crash scene. 17 were struck while on a traffic stop. 14 were killed while deploying tire deflation devices.
Every state has “Move Over” laws, requiring drivers to move over and/or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with emergency lights activated.
The National Safety Council also says that in 2022, 891 people were killed and 37,701 people were injured in work zone crashes.
Resolve to:
- Slow down for emergency vehicles and first responders.
- Slow down for roadside crews assisting stranded motorists.
- Slow down in construction zones.
6. Resolve to always watch out for pedestrians.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects that drivers struck and killed 7,318 people walking in 2023 – down 5% from the year before but 14% above 2019, the last pre-pandemic year. This comes on the heels of a four-decade high of more than 7,500 pedestrian deaths in 2022.
In Texas, safety officials report that in 2023, there were 5,924 crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 808 deaths. Another 1,456 people were seriously injured. The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are:
- Pedestrians failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Driver inattention.
- Speeding.
Resolve to follow the Texas Department of Transportation's safety tips to prevent pedestrian traffic deaths:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
- Pay attention and put your phone away, so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
- Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.
7. Resolve to know your driving limitations due to age or medical conditions.
NHTSA recently shared that fatalities in traffic crashes involving older drivers increased by 42% in a decade, from 6,057 in 2013 to 8,572 in 2022.
Whether it's a medical condition, or simply getting older, it's difficult to consider giving up your keys. But some medical conditions and things that occur naturally as we age can lead to dangerous driving. For example, we can loose the ability to see well at night as we get older due to conditions including cataracts. Also as we get older our reflexes can be slower.
Resolve to:
- Talk with your doctor and family about any age-related driving concerns. NHTSA’s Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully can be a helpful starting point.
- Get your eyesight and hearing checked as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid driving at night and in other challenging driving conditions.
- Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups and Review Medications. Talk to a doctor about how age-related changes and medications may affect driving abilities. Ensure glasses and contact lenses are up to date if needed.
- Plan Safer Trips. Choose times of the day when traffic is lighter and weather conditions are favorable, as well as routes that avoid unprotected left turns when possible.
- Consider a Driver Assessment. Driver rehabilitation specialists can provide professional driving evaluations, which can help identify areas of strengths and needs.
You can read more about aging and driving by visiting the National Institute of Aging website. If you have a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia look for these signs you should not be driving.
8. Resolve to not to drive when you're tired.
Driving when you're sleepy is also obviously a bad idea. 693 people lost their lives in drowsy-driving related accidents in 2022, according to NHTSA.
Resolve to:
- Never get behind the wheel when you are sleepy.
- Be aware of medications you are taking that may cause drowsiness.
- Get off the road at the first sign of being drowsy at the wheel.
Signs of drowsiness include:
- The inability to recall the last few miles traveled.
- Having disconnected or wandering thoughts.
- Having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open.
- Feeling as though your head is very heavy.
- Drifting out of your driving lane, perhaps driving on the rumble strips.
- Yawning repeatedly.
- Accidentally tailgating other vehicles.
- Missing traffic signs.
9. Resolve to always wear your seatbelt.
Wearing a seatbelt saves lives. The NHTSA reports that in 2022, 52 percent of speeding passenger vehicle drivers in fatal crashes weren't wearing their seatbelts.
Resolve to:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Ensure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up, too.
- Visit the Kailee Mills Foundation for more information on the importance of seatbelt use.
In December 2024, NHTSA finalized a rule requiring seat belt use warnings for rear seats and enhanced warnings for driver and front passenger seats. Manufacturers must meet the enhanced front seat belt warning system requirements on new vehicles starting Sept. 1, 2026. The rear seat belt warning system will be required on new vehicles as of Sept. 1, 2027. .
We wish you safe travels ahead in 2025!
