The new year is often a time when we sit back and reflect on the year that was and come up with a few resolutions for the coming year – exercise more, floss more, spend less, eat healthier…
For 2015, the helpful and ambitious Mounties at the Coquitlam RCMP put together a list of five resolutions worthy of consideration for anyone in any community to add to their resolution lists.
1. Be a better driver.
High-risk driving causes an average of 6,500 serious crashes each year in B.C.
You are more than 23 times more likely to crash if you text while driving. If you can’t resist temptation, put your phone in the trunk to avoid distraction. Beyond smartphones, anything that takes your mind, eye, or hands off the road is a distraction and can potentially cause a crash.
A yellow traffic light does not mean “speed up.†It means prepare to stop as long as it is safe to do so.
Always leave a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. A “safe†distance depends on weather and road conditions, but the two-second rule works in good driving conditions.
Speed is one of the most frequently cited contributing factors in police-reported crashes. A lot of time, effort and expertise goes into setting speed limits. All you have to do is follow them.
Failing to signal increases your chance of causing a crash.
2. Volunteer.
This one speaks for itself: volunteering makes a better community all around.
3. Be a better neighbour.
See something suspicious or bothersome in your neighbourhood? Let the police know, for your neighbours’ sake.
4. Be a better digital citizen.
Learn how to protect yourself and your kids in digital environments like Facebook, Twitter, and others.
5. Be connected to your community.
It’s an important way to help keep yourself, your neighbours, and the whole community safer.
Resolve to make the new year a safer one.
