New year’s resolutions for safer, more sustainable driving

LeasePlan has identified five areas where we can all make improvements to our driving – each with handy ideas for resolutions we can make to keep our journeys safe, peaceful and sustainable. Which habits will you adopt in 2022?

When driving, a single second of inattention can have major consequences, so be sure to minimise opportunities for distraction. Let people know you’ll be unavailable before you start your journey, and if you do need to use your phone while you’re on the road, find a safe place to park first. So, to recap …

• Always set your phone to ‘Do not disturb’ before you get into the car.
• Don’t take work meetings (especially video calls) in the car.
• Don’t take any calls when driving.

We rely on our vehicles to get around, so we need to take good care of them! You don’t need to be a qualified mechanic – LeasePlan can look after that for you – but make sure you can at least identify when your car isn’t safe to drive, and take preventative measures to keep things running smoothly. Above all …

• If other people drive your car, always check the mirror positions before setting off.
• Make maintenance, tyre and other appointments.
• Learn how to check tyre pressure and tread – and then check them every three months.

Driving is safer, less stressful experience when we keep things in perspective, set a good example for others and look out for those around us. You can even find ways to use your commute productively! LeasePlan’s advice is to …

• Keep road rage at bay – try to stay calm when driving.
• Avoid rush hour when possible.
• Be tolerant of other road users, especially cyclists.
• Make the best of traffic jams: listen to an audiobook or podcast.
• Try Car yoga as a peaceful new activity.

Safety is paramount, and it comes from knowledge, experience and attention. But comfort also plays a role: the more comfortable you are, the less distracted you’ll be. Take sufficient breaks for hydration and stretching, especially on a long road trip. To stay safe on the road, make sure to…

• Take a 15-minute break for every two hours you drive.
• Invest in a back support for better posture while driving – your body will thank you!
• Take a driving refresher class to brush up your skills.

Historically, driving has been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and the overconsumption of resources. Today, with smarter choices about what and how we drive, we can all do our bit to protect the world around us. Here are some handy ‘eco-tips’…

• Arrange to carpool with friends and colleagues to cut down on energy use and emissions.
• If you have a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, charge it more frequently to save electricity.
• For journeys that take under 10 minutes by car, choose to walk or take public transport instead.

Changes like these, both big and small, all add up – so choose a few new resolutions from this list for the new year and beyond (even if you’ve already given up learning a new language …).

Of course, LeasePlan is here to support you. We’re serious about making our fleet the safest in the industry, accelerating change by calling for low-speed communities and working towards zero road-traffic accidents across our fleet by 2030. What’s more, our SafePlan Zero strategy includes content, tools, guidelines and reports on the three main safety areas: drivers, vehicles and fleet management.

Join us on our journey to zero by learning more about what companies can do to make their fleets safer.