New Year's Resolutions for Safer Driving: A Commitment to Safety
As we move through 2025, road safety remains one of the most critical public health concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published its annual guide to safe driving practices, emphasizing that simple behavioral changes can save thousands of lives each year. Here are the 10 essential tips every driver should follow.
1. Buckle Up — Every Trip, Every Time
Wearing your seat belt can save your life and reduce the risk of injuries if you're in a crash. Always place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck, and the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach. Misuse of seat belts can have dangerous consequences — never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
2. Ensure Children Are in the Right Seat
It's important to choose the right car seat, install it correctly, and use it every time your child is in the car. The back seat is the safest place for children under 13. NHTSA provides car seat recommendations based on your child's age and size and can help you find a certified technician to check your installation.
3. Drive Sober
Driving while impaired is a dangerous, deadly crime. In every state, it's illegal to drive impaired by any substance. Plan ahead — schedule a rideshare, call a sober friend, or use public transportation. If you're hosting an event where alcohol is served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
4. Pay Attention to the Road
Distracted driving includes talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and adjusting the stereo or navigation system. Texting or holding a cell phone to talk is illegal in many states. Driving safely always requires your full attention.
5. Obey Speed Limits
Speeding puts you, your passengers, and everyone on the road in unnecessary danger. Speed affects your safety even when you're driving the speed limit but too fast for road conditions such as bad weather, at night, or through a construction zone.
6. Never Drive Drowsy
If you must drive during peak sleepiness periods (midnight to 6 a.m. and late afternoon), be alert for signs of drowsiness such as driving over roadway lines or rumble strips. Getting enough sleep daily is the best protection against the dangers of drowsy driving.
7. Share the Road Responsibly
Be mindful that you share the road with motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Give bicyclists enough room, yield to them as you would other motorists, and don't underestimate their speed. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions.
8. Pay Attention to Flashing Lights
If you see a vehicle with flashing lights stopped on a highway, move over into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle. If moving over isn't safe, slow down. All 50 states have Move Over laws to protect law enforcement officers and roadside workers.
9. Talk to Teen Drivers
If you have a teen driver, remind them to always wear their seat belts, obey speed limits, put away their phone, and limit passengers to reduce distractions. You have more influence on your teen than you may think — be a good role model.
10. Check for Recalls
You should check for vehicle safety recalls at least twice a year. Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your vehicle's license plate or VIN. Download NHTSA's SaferCar app to receive automatic notifications if there's a recall for your vehicle.
Safety Starts with Quality Parts
Regardless of how careful you drive, vehicle safety ultimately depends on well-maintained components. Carval Auto Parts provides high-quality replacement parts to keep your vehicle in peak safety condition.