Every year, many of us promise to do better in the new year. A lot of us resolve to lose weight, change an old bad habit, or quit the things that no longer serve us. In 2021, we’re curious. What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Among them, will you resolve to drive better and safer this year?
With the Coronavirus still affecting our local communities, our state, and our nation, many of our driving habits have changed. Some drivers report feeling that their driving skills have become rusty. Other drivers have confessed that since they’re more glued to their phones, the temptation to text and drive can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions for better driving and safer travels in 2021.
Pack a personal health kit that includes two spare face masks, hand sanitizer, bottled water, and some Kleenex. Not only will this help you reduce your risk of exposure, but it may also come in handy for anyone who accidentally leaves the house without their facemasks.
Prepare an emergency kit for your car, just in case you have an accident or your car dies. In the event of an accident or a breakdown, your emergency kit should tide you over until you reach help. Make sure there’s a packed first aid kit, emergency flares, water, a spare tire, and the tools to replace that tire. No one wants to get into an emergency, but if you have what you need already in your car, you’ll be glad you’re prepared.
Put away your cell phone and other distractions. Rusty driving skills paired with driver distractions are a dangerous combination. Stow away your cell phone and mobile devices to remove the temptation to answer that text while driving. Use hands-free setups when driving and communicating on your vehicle’s Bluetooth system.
Be mindful and strive for slow & steady driving. A rock climber recently described her record-breaking free climb at Yosemite that was accompanied by her often-repeated personal mantra: “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” We invite you to apply the same philosophy to driving. If you drive slowly, your chances of avoiding an accident decrease, which means that your trip will be more smooth and you’ll arrive with fewer delays.
If you have other ideas to add to this list, we encourage you to contact us at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision in Monterey. Or, make an appointment for auto body repairs and service at https://www.roberts-autorepair.com//appointments/.