Have you made a New Year resolution? Many of us start the year promising to exercise more, watch our diets, and stick to our budgets in the hopes of starting new habits. I’d like to suggest making one more resolution: to become a better driver.

Car accidents are the leading cause of accidental death in Wisconsin. Most Wisconsin car accidents are preventable. A few changes to your habits could save your life and the life of others. Here a five resolutions for safe drivers.

1.      I resolve to wear my seat belt each time I get in the car. A seat belt is your best protection from death and serious injury in a Milwaukee car accident, yet almost one-quarter of U.S. drivers fail to buckle up when getting behind the wheel. To learn more about how seat belts save lives, read our article, Seat Belt Features That Protect in Wisconsin Car Crashes.

2.      I resolve to put my cell phone away while driving. Distracted driving causes at least 3,000 car accident deaths each year. Cell phones, whether they are used for talking or texting, are the number one cause of driver distraction. Instead of answering your phone, invest in an app that lets callers know that you are driving and will return their phone call when it is safe to do so.

3.      I resolve that I will not drink and drive or get in a car with an impaired driver. According to a AAA Foundation survey, nearly 15 percent of drivers admit to driving while under the influence of alcohol. If you plan to drink, bring a non-drinking designated driver or plan to take a taxi home. If you drink when you didn’t expect to, call a friend or a taxi for a ride.

4.      I resolve to stick to the speed limit. This is a tough one. The same AAA survey found that more than half of all drivers admit to driving more than 15 miles over the speed limit at times. More than one-third of fatal crashes involve speeding. Slowing down gives you more time to react to the unexpected.

5.      I resolve to take breaks when necessary. Drowsy driving is dangerous. Stopping for a cup of coffee, a walk, or even a twenty minute nap can improve alertness and prevent a Milwaukee car crash.

Have a safe and happy New Year. If you are injured in a Wisconsin car accident and need help, the Milwaukee auto accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham are here for you. Contact us at 800-800-5678 to schedule a free consultation