New Year's Resolutions For Better Driving In 2021
Posted on December 17, 2020
With 2021 around the corner, you’ve most likely already set your New Year’s Resolutions for the year ahead. From fitness to career advancement, the arrival of a New Year typically inspires us to set both personal and professional goals- but have you considered making a driving resolution?
When many of us first get behind the wheel as nervous teens, we learn to slowly master the do’s and don’ts of the roads over the years, by paying attention and learning from our mistakes. Years later, it’s easy enough to get caught up in navigating the highways during rush hour, or going slightly above the speed limit to make it to work on time. Luckily, CarHub has compiled a few essential New Year’s driving resolutions and safe driving tips, to make you a happier, safer motorist.
Master parallel parking: For those who live in busy urban centres where parallel parking is a must, you may find it stressful or intimidating at times to park on side streets. Parallel parking is often essential in downtown cores or crowded neighbourhoods, and winter driving makes this all the more challenging. Our driving tips for those who fear this unique art form (don’t let anyone tell you that parallel parking isn’t!) include carefully locating a spot and signalling before you move in. You’ll need to reverse, turn your wheels around and then straighten again before shifting the other way (according to Geico).
Stop speeding: Have a need for speed? We suggest you keep your love of adrenaline on cruise control and restrict it to extreme sports instead. While on the road, stay focused on speed limits, particularly in bad weather when car accidents are unfortunately more common.
Take an unforgettable road trip: While this may be more of a fun goal than a hard and fast driving tip, we honestly believe that an unforgettable road trip is part of becoming a better driver! From staying alert on highways away from your hometown to ensuring your best friend at the wheel manages their road rage, a road trip is truly a crash course in masterful driving. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, keep the rules of defensive driving in mind and stop to take photos of beautiful Canadian scenery whenever you can. Also, don’t drive when you are tired, whether that means very late at night or too early in the morning.
Avoid distracted driving: You’ll need to stay calm and focused at the wheel, and this means being watchful of red lights, the vehicle in front of you and oncoming traffic. Drop that smartphone and remember that you can always answer that text when you’re safely parked — distracted driving is no joke.
Get better with turn signals: If you’re switching lanes, stopping your car or just plain turning, your turn signals will play an essential role. Those little green arrows are there to ensure your fellow drivers are safe on the roads after a turn or a change in lanes. Whether you’re going left, or going right, it’s essential to keep your indicators in mind each time.
Caledon Chrysler wishes you a safe drive into 2021, and a Happy New Year. Reach out to us today if you are looking for a new vehicle to take on the roads this year and make your driving resolutions come true.