4 Traffic Laws that People Frequently Forget to Obey

Jul 21, 2016

4 Traffic Laws that People Frequently Forget to Obey Passing the driving test is one of the most exciting and memorable milestones in a teenager’s life. After months of studying the manual and practicing every chance you get, freedom and independence are the big reward. Once the novelty wears off, however, driving becomes more of a chore than a treat. Drivers quickly forget or ignore some of the most basic traffic laws.

Obey Speed Limits

During those first days of new-found freedom, drivers tend to stick to the speed limit like glue, but it doesn’t take long for drivers to get over-confident as traveling along the same route day after day becomes boring. Sometimes speeding is a conscious decision because drivers think the speed limit is too low. Other times a tight schedule makes people take risks they normally would not take. Before long, everyone is in a hurry and driving as fast as they can. It’s easy to find yourself speeding without realizing it just because you were keeping up with traffic.

However, don’t become paranoid and drive too slowly; this is dangerous and can also result in you receiving a ticket.

Stop Means Stop

Drivers must come to a complete stop behind the designated line or cross walk when approaching a stop sign. Simply slowing down, rolling through the intersection, or stopping part of the way through the intersection won’t cut it. These are the primary reasons police issue tickets for stop sign violations. Even if no other cars or pedestrians are visible, it is important to obey the law.

Tailgating Is a Moving Violation

Not only is tailgating dangerous and annoying, it is illegal. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. Apply the three-second rule when driving during daylight in good weather. At least three seconds should elapse between the time the car in front of you passes a stationary object and when your car passes the same object. When driving conditions are less than ideal, increase the time based on the conditions. In addition to increasing your safety, this will decrease your chances of getting a ticket.

Buckle Up for Safety

Seat belt laws may vary slightly between states, but these basic rules apply throughout the country. The driver and all adult passengers are usually required to wear a seat belt when traveling in a personal vehicle. Children under five years old and/or weighing less than 40 pounds must ride in a car seat secured in a rear seat. When kids reach 80 pounds or 8 years old, they can use a seat belt in most states. Booster seats are typically allowed between these two milestones.

Without traffic laws, everyone would run into each other and no one would get very far. It is essential for people sharing the road to know the same basic set of rules. Traffic laws are in place to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If you had to take your driving test again today, would you pass it?

Image by Jimbohayz, Licensed via CC BY 2.0