Charleston Drivers Should Resolve to be Better Drivers, Says Mama’s Used Cars

Charleston, SC, January 13, 2013 --(PR.com)-- As people around the country are making resolutions to eat better, exercise more and spend efficiently, Mama’s Used Cars in Charleston, SC (mamasusedcars.com) is asking people to resolve to be better drivers. Here are some ideas to improve driving habits from the used car dealership.

First, hang up the phone. Distracted driving is at an all-time high and quickly becoming the leading cause of fatal accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 3,000 crash fatalities are due to distracted driving. Pull over your vehicle to use your phone or use an app to block texting and phone calls while in motion. Alternatively, buy a car with Bluetooth capabilities.

Second, do not speed. Not only does speeding decrease fuel economy, it increases the forces during a crash. This means the chances of surviving or being unharmed in the accident greatly lower in a high-speed accident.

Third, wear a seat belt. The use of seat belts may be at an all-time high but some people forget. Consumers should make sure the seat belt fits properly before buying a new or used car. Seat belt adjusters are available for purchase.

“During a crash, being buckled up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas being completely thrown out of a vehicle is almost always deadly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers,” says NHTSA.

Drivers should promise to stop drinking and driving. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of over .08 grams per deciliter is consider over the legal limit. “In 2011, 9,878 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. These alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States,” according to NHTSA.

Finally, follow the maintenance schedule as laid out in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Perform regular checks on tires and fluid levels and change the oil regularly. Proper maintenance improves performance and fuel economy.