How to Set a Meaningful New Year’s Resolution in 2017

As 2016 draws to a close, we hear a lot about people’s goals for the year ahead. The most common ones are to lose weight, eat healthier, save more money (and, a lot of the time, these resolutions don’t last).  But what if you made a new year’s resolution that would benefit not only yourself but also everyone around you?

This year, try setting a New Year’s resolution that will truly make a difference. Here are three.

Put the phone away

This may be the most important New Year’s resolution you can make. When you’re behind the wheel, leave your phone alone. Texts, snaps, and notifications can all wait, and not one of them is worth a life. Car accident deaths increased again last year, and all evidence points to driver distraction as the main culprit. Choosing to keep your focus on the road and not on your phone can help reverse that pattern. It might also be the simplest thing you can do to make the world a better place in 2017.

Get more sleep

Sleep is vital for your physical and psychological health. Most Americans don’t get the recommended amount of sleep each night, and researchers have found that missing even 1-2 hours of sleep can double your risk of a car accident.  In fact, sleep deprivation can create the same level of impairment as driving while drunk! What many people don’t realize is that the effects of drowsy driving can sneak up on you.  You might not feel any “sleepiness” symptoms or warning signs before dozing off behind the wheel. In other words, just because you don’t feel tired doesn’t mean you should drive if you haven’t had proper rest.

Help friends get home safely

This year, give your friends and family the gift of a safe ride home by volunteering as designated driver a little more often. Or, call an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or sober friend if you’ve been drinking.  In 2017, there’s simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel drunk.  Before you go out, plan a safe ride back home.

All of these resolutions will not only improve your life in the coming year, they will also make a difference to everyone around you.

If trouble finds you in 2017, we will be here. You can call us 24/7 to arrange a free consultation.