Even the most experienced drivers do commit traffic offenses. Therefore, driving on the road requires a high level of concentration and skills. However, there are times when you end up doing something wrong even without knowing.
That is why you need to remind yourself of the most important traffic laws and regulations regularly. The worst thing that you can do is to assume that you know everything. Learning is a process and no one is exempted from this rule. Here are the six most important traffic laws and regulations that you should know as a driver.
1. Speeding
Everyone tries to speed from time to time regardless of the number of years that he has been driving. Even exceeding the speed limit by five miles per hour is breaking the law.
Therefore, you need to pay close attention to the speed limits around your county. The good thing is that there are road signs that show the maximum speed that you can go. Pay close attention to all these details as you continue driving along the way.
2. Failing To Stop
Stop means you need to stop and there are no two ways about it. You may be tempted to simply slow down when you see such a sign. Other drivers choose to red light when they discover that no other traffic is around.
However, the police can give you a ticket for not stopping completely at a red light or stop sign. This is among the traffic laws and regulations that most people overlook. The running of red lights occurs frequently and in most cases it is deadly.
In 2017 alone, over 890 individuals got killed in crashes involving the running of the red light. These statistics were provided by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). To add to this, in 2017, close to 132,000 individuals sustained injuries in crashes that involved red-light lighting.
You could have pulled up at the four-way stop with three other cars severally at the same time without anyone knowing who should go first. Looking at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Guide will help you know how to behave in such a scenario.
Generally speaking, the vehicle that arrives at the stop sign first often has the right of way. Make sure you stick to this so that you don’t break the rule. However, if multiple cars arrive at the same line, the vehicle on the right owns a tiebreaker and should go first.
3. Wear Seat Belts
If your destination is a block away or around the corner, you can think of saving time by failing to buck up. However, this is a traffic rule that you should never ignore in the larger part of the county.
Most states have compulsory seat belt laws and regulations for the occupants of the front seats. There are also other states that enforce these rules for those who occupy the rear seats. Make sure you understand the regulations that govern your region and stick to them.
4. Yielding
Driving laws and regulations expect motorists to yield in different scenarios. According to the American Safety Council, the right of way should be yielded under these circumstances;
- In the presence of a yield sign.
- At uncontrolled intersections where you need to yield to cars on the through road.
- To people utilizing white canes with or even without a red tip.
- When driving on a road that is unpaved that intersects with a road that is paved.
- To pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- To people who are utilizing the Seeing Eye guide dog.
- While returning to the roadway after parking the car.
- When turning leftwards, you should yield to oncoming cars, pedestrians, etc.
5. Tailgating
Tailgating is among the traffic laws and regulations that are easy to forget especially when you are in a hurry. The worst thing about tailgating is the fact that it leads to accidents. It is one of the cases that the largest law firms handle on a daily basis.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions contribute 28% of the total highway accidents. Drive-Safely.net states that during the dry weather seasons, you need to have at least two seconds of space between the car that is in front of you on the minimum.
In fact, they suggest that three seconds are best. You can do so by utilizing a fixed object like a crack, tree, bridge, or even a shadow in the roadway.
When the rear bumper of the car that is in front of yours crosses the object, start counting. It is recommended and acceptable to be far away for three seconds.
6. Use Of A Cell Phone
Sending a quick text or answering your phone call while you are behind the wheel may appear to be a small deal but it is a big one. So many States have banned drivers from text messaging while driving. It is good to obey this law each and every time.
The other States also prohibit drivers from answering their phone calls while behind the wheels. Get to know what is applicable in your state and observe the latter. This will save you from getting into trouble with the governing authorities.
Conclusion
These are the six most important traffic laws and regulations that you should know. However, there are so many other stipulations that you need to know. Think of things like pulling over for the emergency vehicles and cutting through the parking lots. The other important traffic law is the proper use of turn signals. When you understand all these laws, you will avoid much trouble with the regulatory authorities.
