Hyannis and Plymouth Massachusetts: Make Safe Driving Habits a New Year’s Resolution

Perhaps this year, in addition to trying to lose weight or quit a bad habit, you should think higher and consider some ways that you can better protect yourself and your family. Our Cape Cod car accident attorneys would like residents to make safer driving habits one of their 2014 New Year’s resolutions.

A study by the AAA Foundation analyzes the role of drowsy driving in the United States using data from a survey of drivers that have impacted America’s concern about dangerous driving behaviors. This complacency is troubling given a 5 percent spike in motor vehicle accident deaths in 2012, the first increase in fatalities in seven years.

We wish that everyone has a great New Year while exercising and promoting safe driving habits. Do not drive distracted, drive safely, and never drink and drive. If everyone followed these habits, many needless accidents would be avoided. Distracted Driving If you are still taking unnecessary risks by texting or talking while driving, then 2014 is the time to curb your dangerous media habits. Get in the habit of planning ahead; before driving turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode. Create a message on your phone notifying callers when you are driving. If you need to make a call, pull off the road and make it from a safe place. Most important, learn to focus on driving and avoid distractions. Remember, texting while driving a vehicle in Massachusetts is illegal.

Safe Driving Learn safe driving habits including paying attention to traffic signs and signals, respecting other cars on the road, and driving at a safe speed. Driving at a safe speed will substantially reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. According to the NHTSA, speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic accidents, contributing to as many as 10,000 deaths each year. Most unsafe driving happens when drivers try to make up lost time due to a lack of preparedness. Make a resolution to be on time and prepare for delays.

Drunk Driving We think that drunk driving accidents only happen when chronic drinkers are behind the wheel, but many accidents are caused by first time drunk drivers. Observed in a 2012 NHTSA report, the nation lost 10,322 people because of alcohol impaired driving accidents, which is 30 percent of all driving fatalities. It is even worse during holidays like New Year’s Eve. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, half the fatal crashes on New Year’s Day involve a driver who was legally considered drunk. Plan ahead: plan a designated driver, drink where you can walk or travel by public transportation, and always keep numbers for alternative transportation, including AAA or the local cab company. If you want to drink, learn your driving limits. There are several blood alcohol limit calculator apps for your iPhone or other smartphone. Several companies sell hand-held breathalyzers. If you do not have these, keep in mind the one drink per hour rule.

We wish that you start your New Year’s resolution with a lifesaving one by celebrating and driving responsibly. Make the decision to travel the roads safely and help others to do so also.

If you have been the victim of motor vehicle accident because of another’s unsafe driving, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Local attorney, John C. Manoog III, has extensive experience handling Motor Vehicle Accident claims. For a free initial consultation, call the office at 888-262-6664 or reach us by email. There is always someone available to talk to you about your case. Related Blog Posts: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rules Auto Accident Victim Should Have Received MedPay Coverage — Golchin v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. Massachusetts Police Announce Increased Efforts to Enforce Safe Driving Law