Motoring editor Andy Russell has come up with a few new year resolutions for becoming a better driver.

For years I’ve made a new year’s resolution but have fallen by the wayside so many times in the past that I almost reached the point of making a resolution not to make any resolutions.

There have been some really simple ideas that have turned into monumental failures through a lack of willpower, awareness or wherewithal or normally a combination of all three... and very often before the end of January.

Like my resolutions to:

Lose weight (an annual chestnut) but, each year, despite initial success I finish the year on a high – a higher weight on the scales than at the start. I’m one of those people who put on a pound if I have a beer – and two pounds if I drink it!

Fill in a diary of all social engagements and business appointments rather than relying on my failing memory. And in pencil so I can make amendments tidily without scrawling it out in pen. By the end of the year it looks as though I have been the centre of attention in January and Billy No Mates for the next 11 months.

In fact, the only resolution I have successfully stuck to came a couple of years ago when I resolved to put any copper or five-pence pieces I get in my change into the nearest charity box.

But for 2015 I aim to be a better driver, a more considerate motorist and kinder to the environment while trying to get fitter rather than fatter – not a lot to ask and something that is worthwhile but does not need personal sacrifice and willpower.

So here’s what I am going to do:

n Walk journeys up to half a mile rather than take the car – even if it involves carrying a bag or rucksack.

n Cycle journeys up to a couple of miles rather than taking the car – unless the weather is horrendous.

n Check my car’s tyre pressures and condition at least every fortnight.

n And at the same time check oil and coolant levels and top up the washer bottle before the warning light comes on or it runs out.

n Keep disposable screen wipes and a cloth in the car so I can clean the screen when it gets smeary.

n Not get so worked up and impatient when stuck in traffic hold-ups when there is nothing I can do about it.

n Leaving more time for journeys so being stuck in traffic hold-ups does not become such an issue.

n Not to drive so close to the car in front.

n Avoid risky overtaking manoeuvres – better to arrive late in this world, than early in the next.

n Cleaning the car more often – inside and out.

n And, even if I have not got time to wash the whole car, make sure the lights, windows and numberplates are clean.

n Fully de-ice or demist the car before driving off looking through a little hole in the screen.

n Set off a little earlier to make time for the above.

n Give the car a coat of polish at least four times a year to herald in spring, summer, autumn and winter.

n Concentrate on my driving more, particularly on roads I travel regularly where it becomes easy to become distracted.

n Drive more efficiently, sticking to speed limits, to get more miles per gallon.

n Be more courteous to other road users, give cyclists more room and thank drivers who give way to me or let me into traffic.

n Be more forgiving of other drivers who make mistakes as we all do from time to time.

n To always use my indicators in good time to warn other drivers of my intentions.

n Brush up on The Highway Code and get up to date with new road signs.

n And finally get round to removing the paper tax disc which no longer has to be displayed.

You may think that’s a lot to ask but each one of them will make me a better driver and, hopefully, the roads safer for all of us.

Happy new year and happy motoring.