NEW YEAR, NEW SAFE DRIVING TIPS & TECH

With the new year here, it is time to reevaluate and improve many parts of our lives. Most people make New Year’s Resolutions about their relationships and careers. But at Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, PLLC, we think it also makes sense to put driving safety at the top of your resolutions list.

Technology is constantly changing, which is good news for motorists. Using new and updated tech is a great way to make driving safer than ever. To start this year off right, see if there’s any driving tech or tips on this list that you didn’t know about before.

Here are three driving safety tips to keep in mind in the new year:

• Dashcams see everything: Dashcams have been around for a while, but they have only recently become more common among drivers as the technology to have one gets more affordable. For $100 or less, you can probably find a dependable and well-rated dashcam on numerous online vendors. These little cameras can be quickly mounted in your car and use the cigarette lighter port for power. Just be sure to tuck the cord out of the way of the windshield. Most modern dashcams constantly record while the vehicle is in motion. When the memory card is about to fill up, it deletes the oldest footage, which is probably several days or weeks old. If a crash is detected, then the camera will bookmark the recording and prevent it from being automatically deleted.
• Voice-command GPS keeps your hands and eyes free: GPS navigation apps have also been on smartphones for years and years. But every driver seems to have a story about how frustrated they got when trying to keep up with the GPS’s directions while driving. If you aren’t happy with your GPS navigation app, then now is the right time to check app stores for an updated one that allows you to use voice commands and that gives clearly voiced instructions in return. Ideally, you should be able to use a GPS app without taking your hands from the wheel, eyes from the road, and mind from the task of safe driving.
• Autonomous cars can’t always drive themselves: Almost anywhere you go these days, you are bound to see someone in a Tesla. The brand’s popularity has ballooned in recent years as its self-driving vehicles become smarter and more responsive. However, you should not be tricked into thinking a self-driving vehicle means you don’t have to drive it. As Tesla manuals instruct new owners, while the vehicle is in motion, the driver’s hands should be on the steering wheel, eyes on the road, and feet on the pedals to take control instantly in case of an emergency. You should never be sitting in the driver’s seat of an autonomous vehicle unless you are paying close attention and ready to drive.

Also, as you’re making your New Year’s plans this holiday season, keep safety in mind and take these important steps to help you and your fellow drivers make it home safe and sound.

HOSTING A PARTY:

• Make sure to have non-alcoholic beverages on hand for designated drivers and those who prefer not to drink.
• Keep track of how many guests RSVP to your party and try to make sure every group has at least one person who can be the sober designated driver or who has a plan to get home safely.
• Food and snacks keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach, so make sure there is plenty of food to go around. However, try to avoid salty snacks, as these will make guests thirsty and encourage them to drink even more.
• Avoid carbonated beverages as part of any alcoholic punch beverage as this speeds up the absorption of alcohol into the blood.
• Ensure there are plenty of party games and activities planned to help make your party a success and keep your guests occupied.

GOING OUT:

• Always have a designated driver who you can trust to make sure you and your friends get home safely
• Use a service like Uber or Lyft to get you and your friends to and from your destination. Splitting a ride saves everyone money.
• If you’re partying far from home, set up a hotel room for you and your friends near the party location so no one drives home impaired
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Request your host provide snacks to help keep guests from filling up on alcohol alone.
• Keep track of how much you have to drink and try to avoid drinking to excess.

From all of us at our firm, we hope these hints help you find new ways to improve your driving safety this year and beyond. If you ever need our help with a car accident claim, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. As always, initial consultations are free and we don’t charge any attorney fees until we win.