We’ve compiled a list of resolutions for drivers, which will allow everyone to feel as though they’ve accomplished something this year:

1. Keep a safe flowing distance- It is a South African favourite to tailgate the person in front of them. We suggest trying to maintain at least a three-car space between you and the car in front of you. Now, we know what you’re thinking… at least four taxis will squeeze in through that gap, which brings us to the next resolution;
   
   
2. Keep calm and drive on- We are aware that driving in traffic can be frustrating but at the end of the day there’s not much you can do about it. When we’re stressed, our bodies release the hormone, cortisol, which has been linked to weight gain, so all that dieting and exercise that you may have as part of another resolution will be made quite invalid. Just relax, download an audio book or listen to your favourite music;
   
   
3. Keep your car in shape- Your vehicle needs to be checked regularly and we’re not even talking about a service, where fluids, plugs and filters are done, either. Things like tyre wear, wheel alignment and keeping the paint in good shape, all add value to the car when it comes time to sell;
   
   
4. Focus more when driving- Distracted driving accounts for a large portion of accidents on our roads so we encourage you to stop doing anything other than driving when behind the wheel. That means no texting, no sipping coffee or a beverage, no eating, fixing your hair, applying make-up or tidying up your appearance;
   
   
5. Think before you buy- The thought that you may need a new car this year may cross your mind but we urge you to consider the implications. Sure, if your car is an unreliable liability then by all means, but if your car is paid off or almost yours, then we urge you to consider keeping and staying away from debt unless of course you can really afford a new vehicle;
   
   
6. Wash your own car- We know, this sounds like more cardio - the bad kind, but washing your own cars gives you a better connection with it and you will appreciate it more. Take note of its battle scars, its lines and its character. The cardio will pay off too as an hour of car-washing could see you burn around 870kJ, which means that chocolate bar isn’t looking as taboo as it did before the microfibre cloths, soap and wax came out;
   
   
7. Drive more economically- Everyone is on the eco-train, where there’s an emphasis on cleaner cars, smaller engines and less emissions. What some people fail to realise is that buying the downsized car is half of the battle won. If you’re thrashing it all the time you’re using more fuel and emitting more than the senior citizen in their old “gas-guzzling” Mercedes being driven at 30km/h all day. The idea is to be less liberal with the right pedal, to maintain momentum and to keep the car in its efficiency range.