We all know that auto accidents happen, but many of them can be prevented simply by obeying the rules of the road. Adhering to these traffic laws could save your life, or, at the very least, save you from a costly ticket!
Some laws vary from state-to-state, so it’s important to know the traffic laws of the state you’re driving in. For example, in Tennessee, Florida, and Illinois the use of hazard lights during rain is not permitted unless during emergency situations, while in Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi hazards during bad weather are permitted.
Knowing your state’s laws will help you stay vigilant and avoid unknowingly breaking any rules of the road.
According to the Florida Safety Council, approximately 112,000 speeding tickets are issued every day in the United States. That’s about 41 million tickets per year!
A speeding ticket can cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000 (if you’re going to speed anywhere, make sure it’s NOT in Oregon). Aside from the initial cost of the ticket you may have to pay extra for insurance or mandatory driving courses, depending on the state you're in and the severity of the traffic infraction.
If that isn’t enough to steer your foot from the pedal, then consider the consequences that often go hand-in-hand with speeding like faster fuel consumption, getting your license revoked, decreased time to notice safety hazards and, of course, serious car or big truck wrecks.
Ah, roundabouts. Arguably the most complicated method of making roads and intersections “more efficient,” roundabouts can often cause confusion and frustration for drivers. When entering a roundabout you should do the following:
Have patience. It may be frustrating watching other vehicles go around in circles while you wait your turn on the outskirts, but your time to enter will come. Wait until it’s clear and safe to do so to avoid auto accidents.
When approaching a 4-way stop at the same time as another driver it’s sometimes unclear who has the right of way. Technically, the vehicle furthest to the right should go first, however it’s sometimes more efficient to simply make eye contact with the other driver(s). One of the drivers at the intersection will generally wave the other driver along, indicating that they will wait.
These are just a few tips to keep you safe while you’re on the road. Keep these pointers in mind while driving and stay safe.