SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Dec. 30, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's that time of year again – time when millions of Californians resolve to eat better, start exercising, and accomplish new goals. Just in time for New Year's celebrations and personal promises, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is encouraging drivers to adopt a new list of resolutions to keep our roadways safe in 2014 and beyond.
"When drivers resolve to drive sober, buckle up and turn off their cell phones they improve not only their own lives but the lives of every other driver on California's roads," said OTS Acting Director Russia Chavis. "Review our list of common sense resolutions and commit to a safer 2014 and beyond."
These tips can not only save lives, but prevent unnecessary tragedy for everyone. Resolutions often only pertain to the person making them, but these are significant because they have the potential to affect family, friends, and every driver or passenger who shares the road with you at any given time.
If you plan on ringing in the New Year with alcohol, remember to designate a sober driver. You can reward them for being your sober driver by treating them to a free, non-alcoholic DDrink or other sponsored perks from one of the DDVIP partner bars. To find the DDVIP establishment nearest you, visit www.DDVIPCA.com and enter your zip code for a list of establishments and DDVIP specials in your area.
The Office of Traffic Safety is providing a list of common sense resolutions for a safe 2014 and beyond. Feel free to add some of your own and be sure to share them with family, friends and coworkers:
DUI Prevention
- I resolve not to drink any alcohol or take any impairing drug or medication if I'm going to be driving
- I resolve not to ask anyone who has been drinking, "Are you okay to drive?", because I know that they really aren't
- I resolve not to knowingly let anyone drive buzzed, drunk or drugged
- I resolve to be the designated sober driver for my friends or family whenever they ask
- I resolve to stay sober if I am the designated driver, even if I'm offered free drinks
- I resolve to treat the sober driver in my group like a Rock Star
- I resolve not to drive buzzed
- I resolve to give my kids a safe ride home – no questions asked – whenever they call
- I resolve never to give alcohol to minors, even if they say I'm "cool."
Cell Phone/Mobile Devices
- I resolve to focus on the road and not text or talk on my cell phone while driving
- I resolve to not call or text anyone when I think they may be driving
- I resolve to turn off my phone or put it out of reach when I'm driving so I don't get distracted
- I resolve to be a good example for my kids and not text and talk while driving
Safe Driving
- I resolve to require everyone, me included, to buckle up on every ride, day or night
- I resolve to have my child safety seats inspected by a certified professional
- I resolve not to be a rebel on the road, to follow speed, red light, safe turns and all other traffic laws
- I resolve to be a courteous commuter… a debonair driver… a well-mannered motorist
- I resolve to share the road safely with motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike
The California Office of Traffic Safety wishes you a safe and happy 2014. Join us on Twitter at @OTS_CA or "like" us at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS to add your resolutions. For more information on all OTS efforts, visit www.OTS.ca.gov.