New Years resolutions are a subject at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now, and they will be until February 1st…when some of them are promptly forgotten. Many resolutions are about heath, personal well-being, relationships, or even finances. But what if your resolution this year was something that would not only be long-lasting, but would impact people far beyond YOU?
This resolution could make the world a better place.
It could make it a safer place, for you, your children, your friends, and everyone else you hold dear.
The resolution we are encouraging you to make this year is to become a better driver in 2019.
Becoming a better driver doesn’t mean shaving 10 more minutes off your commute time each day by learning how to navigate traffic more smoothly. We are asking you to perfect your parallel parking when you’re trying (again) to find a spot near your Downtown Tampa office. We aren’t even suggesting that you learn to park in a more considerate way, although that would be a bonus. We are suggesting that you become a better driver by treating driving as a responsibility, not a guaranteed privilege. Getting behind the wheel of a car is a powerful position, yet many people fail to treat it as such. How do you do this?
- Don’t drive while sleepy. Take a break, pull over for a quick nap, get out for a cup of coffee, but never drive while sleepy.
- Never drink and drive. This doesn’t just mean drinking while driving. It means stay away from your keys if you’ve already had alcohol to drink in the hours beforehand, and it means planning ahead for a designated driver or a place to stay the night if you plan to drink wherever you’re going.
- Get rid of distractions. Talking on the phone, texting, switching songs on the radio, and even using your GPS can take your attention away from the road and result in tragic consequences. If you need to take care of another task, have a passenger in the vehicle do it for you, or pull over until you can give your full attention to the road and the job of driving at hand.
- Follow the rules. Sure, it’s “just 5 miles over the limit” and you’re running late, but those rules are there for a reason. Your irresponsible speeding can take the life of another, or leave you or someone you love injured or worse. From speed limits to stop signs, know the rules of the road and follow them closely.
Resolving to become a better driver this year is a great example of how small changes can have a BIG impact. Passing on these driving habits to your children and teens, friends, and family members means our roads will become a safer place, and that’s definitely something to celebrate in 2019. If you or someone you love have been injured or killed following the neglect of another driver, you too understand how much impact better drivers can have on our world as a whole. If you are struggling following the injury and/or loss, we understand how difficult the road is, and we are ready and waiting to help. Sessums Law Group is proud to serve the greater Tampa Bay area with top quality legal services, and when the unexpected happens, WE STAND FOR YOU and seek the compensation you deserve. Give us a call and find out how we can help.