The United States of America has individual laws that govern acceptable standards of driving. Each state has different laws for minors, adults, and commercial vehicles. Many drivers in the US tend not to follow the laws, but that is no reason to ignore regulations or drive recklessly. In 2015 alone, there were 10.4 million licensed drivers in the U.S., and 1.2 million of them were younger than 16 years old! These laws exist for a reason – breaking them can cause accidents and lead to serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and/or community service.
Accidents due to non-compliance with driving laws are common, and they can lead to serious injury or death. For example, a driver who is underage or not wearing a seatbelt can be severely injured in an accident, even if they were not at fault. Furthermore, drivers who speed, drive recklessly, or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to be involved in an accident.
To ensure your safety, it is recommended that you follow traffic rules correctly. However, if you meet with an accident because of the negligence of another driver, there seem to be proper laws and established lawyers (similar to those available at https://www.tomfowlerlaw.com/) who can assist you with getting the appropriate justice and compensation. Therefore, you may need to be mindful of your actions and the actions of other drivers on the road to protect yourself from any unfortunate incidents.
Whether you’re new to driving or have been doing it your whole life, it’s important to know the different driving laws in the US. That said, the country has over 2,000 driving laws, and many of them can be confusing. Plus, these driving laws can vary from state to state. So, it’s important to know the rules of the road in your area, and if you’re ever pulled over, to know which ones you need to be aware of. To help clear up any confusion, we’ve put together this list of basic driving rules that need your attention and compliance.
Maintain regulated speed limits
With speed limits in many states and the prevalence of speeding on some roads, you might think you know them all, but you would be wrong. Speeding tickets are one of the most common moving violations across the country. And even though a speeding ticket may seem like a minor annoyance, in reality, the offence could add up to hundreds of dollars in fines over time. So, you’d want to maintain regulated speed limits and practice some precautions. Now, if you focus more on driving than on the speedometer, it would be a great idea to get yourself the best radar detector you can afford. Not only will this alert you that your speed is being monitored by police radar guns, but these could also predict and map weather patterns while on the road.
Drive on the right
Driving on the right side of the road might seem like standard practice in the U.S., but it’s not. Drivers in Japan, India, and many other countries drive on the left. If you are visiting from any of these countries, you might find yourself a bit lost and could easily get on the wrong side of the law if you are not paying attention to this detail.
Be vigilant of other drivers
Defensive driving is a key aspect of road safety, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, anticipating potential hazards, and being prepared to react. Keep a watchful eye on the behavior of other drivers, especially for signs of reckless driving, sudden lane changes, or distracted driving, and report them for breaking the law. In the unfortunate event of a car accident due to someone else’s reckless driving, understanding your rights and seeking legal assistance is crucial. Professional support from experienced trial attorneys can make a significant difference in ensuring a fair resolution. If you find yourself in need of legal guidance following a road incident, consider reaching out to Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys or a similarly reputable firm known for their expertise in handling personal injury cases and providing the support you need during challenging times.
Slow driving can be just as bad
Drivers in the United States have to follow certain driving laws, but did you know there are specific laws for slow drivers? According to the United States Department of Transport, slow driving is defined as driving slower than the flow of traffic, moving at 25% of the speed or slower. As per the law, however, drivers caught doing slow driving should be cited, but not ticketed.
Follow protocol in case of an accident
If you are involved in a car accident in the United States, it is important to follow the proper protocol. This will help to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Firstly, stay calm and assess the situation. Secondly, move your vehicles to a safe location if possible. Thirdly, take pictures of the accident scene. Lastly, file a police report and contact an attorney similar to these Queens car accident lawyers as soon as possible for guidance on how to move forward. Following this protocol would ensure that your liability is mitigated and you have the benefit of the doubt in the situation.
Obey traffic control devices
While driving, you need to comply with the traffic signal. It is the law, and jumping a red light is going to get you fined. To operate a vehicle safely on the road, drivers need to obey road signs, signals, and road markings. These rules exist to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. Following them keep you safe and save you time and money.
Most people who break traffic laws do so unintentionally, and that is usually because they may not be fully aware of all the rules. Thus, one of the most important things you need to know when driving in the U.S., especially when you are first learning to drive, is to be aware of all the traffic laws and follow them diligently. It is for the safety of all parties concerned.