Back to Basics: 5 Ignored Rules of the Road to Start Practicing

Accident and Injury Attorney Helping Victims Injured by Careless Drivers

When you turn sixteen, you thoroughly read and memorize the driver’s manual. You practice all driving laws with precision, and you make sure you do not miss one single rule. After a few years of driving, and long past your driver’s test, you might forget a few of those necessary rules.

Breaking or ignoring driving laws is dangerous. Not only does it put you at risk for a traffic citation and higher insurance rates, but increases the likelihood you might cause a motor vehicle accident. If you cause an accident or someone else causes an accident by ignoring the driving laws, they are legally liable for the damages.

What Traffic Laws and Driving Rules are Frequently Ignored?

Driving with your hands at ten-and-two might be something you can quickly forget after driving a few years, but some of the other rules are dangerous to break. The five most commonly ignored driving rules include:

Following the Speed Limit

Everyone is guilty of ignoring the speed limit from time to time. Whether you go five miles per hour over or find yourself blasting 20 miles over the speed limit on the highway, you have likely broken the posted speed limit. However, speeding is reckless. Driving above the speed limit limits your control over the vehicle and reduces reaction times.

Of course, you could be reckless and cause an accident driving too slow. Therefore, stick with the speed limit – no less, no more.

Wearing a Seatbelt

There is no reason not to wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts have been proven to save lives. However, many drivers still forgo the belt. Some even forgo buckling in their children.
If you do not wear a seatbelt and you are in an accident, the injuries you sustain could be placed on your plate instead of the driver who caused the crash. Why? Because had you worn your seatbelt, most of the injuries you suffered would not have happened. Therefore, the insurance company will try to deny your injuries or argue that you were mostly at fault.

Texting and Driving

Sadly, texting and driving continue to be a problem despite the awareness campaigns and laws enacted to stop it. If you text while driving, you are distracted and reckless behind the wheel. You not only increase the likelihood of a collision but the probability of a serious lawsuit.

Performing Illegal Maneuvers

From weaving in and out of traffic on the highway to not coming to a full stop, these illegal maneuvers will not only catch an officer’s eye but could cause a serious accident. Inexperienced drivers and those who are stressed tend to make U-turns when they should not, and some will fail to yield because they are in a rush.

Regardless of the reasons why you perform these illegal maneuvers, realize that they are irresponsible driving behaviors.

Ignoring the Right of Way

A right of way error is a common reason for accidents in intersections, especially those where there are no traffic signals. When you approach a four-way stop, do you know which car has the right of way and who proceeds first?

When Drivers Ignore Traffic Rules, Accidents Happen

You might be the world’s most cautious driver, but most likely you are sharing the road with motorists that ignore some or all the rules.

If you are involved in an accident with a careless or reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation. You can hold that driver accountable for their behavior, and ensure that they start following the rules of the road in the future.

Speak with an advocate today from Van Sant Law, to explore your options for compensation. Schedule your free consultation now at (800) 234-9556 or request an appointment online.