Happy New Year from all of us at CarPro! We wish you a safe commute and journey throughout the year ahead. It's not too late to make a few New Year's resolutions as they pertain to driving habits in 2026. Here are nine easy resolutions that will put you on the road to safer driving.
9 Ways To Be A Safer Driver in 2026
1. Resolve not to drive distracted.
The latest statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration cite that distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023.
- Never text and drive. Put your cell phone down and focus on the road.
- Set your destination in your navigation before heading out on the road.
- Speak up when you're a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to call or text for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.
- Always be an engaged driver even if advanced driver assistance safety (ADAS) technologies are in use. Also resolve to know how they work and to understand their limitations.
- Take the NHTSA pledge to drive phone-free.
2. Resolve not to drive aggressively.
A 2024 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report found that 11 percent of respondents self-reported distracted and aggressive driving behaviors.
Follow these AAA tips to prevent road rage:
- Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes, or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
- Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
- Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 9-1-1 if needed.
3. Resolve to never drive impaired.
NHTSA figures show that in 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. Many substances can impair driving, not just alcohol. Others include some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and of course illegal drugs
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Always drive sober and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Designate a sober driver and take keys from impaired friends.
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Call a cab or use a service like Uber or Lyft to get home safely.
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Check with your pharmacist about prescription medications that could cause impairment.
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Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
4. Resolve not to speed or run red lights.
5. Resolve to slow down for First Responders, Roadside Assistance and Work Zone Crews.
The National Safety Council also reports that in 2023, 898 people were killed and 40,170 people were injured in work zone crashes. Of the 898 fatalities:
- 568 were in construction zones
- 267 were in work zones of unknown type
- 53 were in maintenance zones
- 10 were in a utility zone
First responders and roadside crews put their lives on the line every day responding to motorist crashes and drivers in distress. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund preliminary stats, there were 46 traffic-related law enforcement officer deaths in 2024. Of the 46 traffic-related deaths:
- 25 were automobile crashes
- 4 were motorcycle crashes
- 17 were struck-by fatalities
Always obey “Move Over” laws, requiring drivers to move over and/or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with emergency lights activated:
- Slow down for emergency vehicles and first responders.
- Slow down for roadside crews assisting stranded motorists.
- Slow down in construction zones.
6. Resolve to always watch out for pedestrians.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, U.S. drivers struck and killed 7,148 pedestrians in 2024, enough to fill more than 30 Boeing 737 jets at maximum capacity
Follow the Texas Department of Transportation's safety tips:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
- Pay attention and put your phone away, so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
- Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.
7. Resolve to know your driving limitations due to age or medical conditions.
NHTSA stats show there were 7,810 fatal crashes involving 65 and older drivers in 2023. Whether it's a medical condition, or simply getting older, it's difficult to consider giving up your keys. But some medical conditions and things that occur naturally as we age can lead to dangerous driving. For example, we can loose the ability to see well at night as we get older due to conditions including cataracts. Also as we get older our reflexes can be slower.
- Talk with your doctor and family about any age-related driving concerns. NHTSA’s Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully can be a helpful starting point.
- Get your eyesight and hearing checked as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid driving at night and in other challenging driving conditions.
- Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups and Review Medications. Talk to a doctor about how age-related changes and medications may affect driving abilities. Ensure glasses and contact lenses are up to date if needed.
- Plan Safer Trips. Choose times of the day when traffic is lighter and weather conditions are favorable, as well as routes that avoid unprotected left turns when possible.
- Consider a Driver Assessment. Driver rehabilitation specialists can provide professional driving evaluations, which can help identify areas of strengths and needs.
Read more about aging and driving by visiting the National Institute of Aging website. If you have a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia look for these signs you should not be driving.
8. Resolve to not to drive when you're sleepy
Driving when you're tired is also obviously a bad idea. 633 people lost their lives in drowsy-driving related accidents in 2023, according to NHTSA.
- Never get behind the wheel when you are sleepy.
- Be aware of medications you are taking that may cause drowsiness.
- Get off the road at the first sign of being drowsy at the wheel.
Signs of drowsiness include:
- The inability to recall the last few miles traveled.
- Having disconnected or wandering thoughts.
- Having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open.
- Feeling as though your head is very heavy.
- Drifting out of your driving lane, perhaps driving on the rumble strips.
- Yawning repeatedly.
- Accidentally tailgating other vehicles.
- Missing traffic signs.
9. Resolve to always wear your seatbelt.
Wearing a seatbelt saves lives. The NHTSA reports that in 2023, 51 percent of speeding passenger vehicle drivers in fatal crashes were not wearing their seatbelts.
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Ensure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up, too.
- Visit the Kailee Mills Foundation for more information on the importance of seatbelt use.
In December 2024, NHTSA finalized a rule requiring seat belt use warnings for rear seats and enhanced warnings for driver and front passenger seats. Manufacturers must meet the enhanced front seat belt warning system requirements on new vehicles starting Sept. 1, 2026. The rear seat belt warning system will be required on new vehicles as of Sept. 1, 2027.
We wish you safe travels ahead in 2026!