Thursday, January 3

Happy New Year motorists

As we all see another New Year in I guess it's time to bring out the New Year's resolutions. You know those hopes and beliefs that we make at the start of each year and are soon forgotten by the end of January.

I'm going to do something a bit different this year and take a look at the way I drive:



Firstly I've decided to curb my 'road rage'. No, I don't carry a baseball bat in my boot, but I'm only human and there are times when I beep my horn or let out a few special 'bleeps'. However, I'm determined to keep my calm this year, as I've realised I'll never change the way other motorists drive so I'll just try to improve my road manners instead.

Now when it comes to putting petrol in my car I've always been a skin-flint - cheapy supermarket fuel and a very light foot where possible. But I'm sure I can creep up the fuel economy just by setting off earlier and concentrating on my gear changes a bit more. I could say I'm trying to save the planet, but I'll admit that I'm very selfish and just want to save my own money.

With all this wintry weather and dark skies at 4pm I have to admit I don't have much inspiration to fight the elements and wash the car, but it's good exercise, fresh air and I refuse to spend the best part of £5 paying someone else to massage grit into the bodywork.

As my girlfriend keeps telling me, loudly, I do drive rather close to other drivers' bumpers, and I refuse to become one of those drivers that you look in your rear-view mirror at and mutter 'get off my back'. Even if other drivers swerve into the large gap in front of me my no-claims bonus should remain intact.

I often wonder how can such a simple thing become so ignored? Letting other drivers know where you are going is vital and I admit that I could use my indicators more so I'll 'tick-tock' more often when leaving roundabouts and when cutting people up... I'm mean pulling in.

We all know today's cars are heavier than ever before so I'm determined to strip out the unnecessary rubbish - you know all the stuff you carry round that you never use which make the car slower, less fuel efficient, and look a real mess. Although my Radiohead albums and chewing gum will be staying.

After a recent visit to the Czech Republic I was surprised to find that their law requires headlamps to be on whenever you drive - day or night. At first I thought it was a waste of energy but from the start of this year my lights will always be on, and everyone will notice me - mainly because nobody else seems to bother.

Slowing down outside schools is an obvious rule, but from 2008 I've decided to keep it under 15mph - despite the annoyance of other road users I refuse to take a life just to be punctual.

So I may not be burning up a sweat at the gym every day but I honestly think I've set myself some realistic goals which will benefit my pocket and take me through to next year - I'll let you know how I get on.