There are a lot of laws that drivers need to be aware of when they get behind the wheel. In order to stay safe on the road, it is important to know and follow the laws of the state you are driving in. There can be severe consequences for breaking these laws, so it is best to be informed about what they are! This article will highlight some of the most important legal tips to follow if you travel a lot in a car.
1) Maintain Distance
When you’re on the road, always maintain a safe distance between you and the other drivers around you. You should always allow plenty of room between your car and the one in front of you, at least four seconds. Also, try to avoid tailgating other drivers who are in front of you- staying back at a safe distance will actually protect your car from damage if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes suddenly. This is especially true when it comes to larger vehicles, trucks for example. Truck drivers need to maintain a much larger distance than other drivers because their cars are longer and heavier. Truck accidents happen all of the time, so if you ever get involved in such an accident, make sure to call a lawyer. If you’re from California, search for San Francisco, Berkeley, or Oakland truck accident lawyers that can help you with your case. Doing so can help you to receive compensation for any costs resulting from the accident, including medical expenses and lost wages.
2) Drive Only When You’re Sober
Every state in the United States has some kind of law against driving under the influence. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause you to lose focus on your driving, which puts you and others around you at risk of getting injured. Do what you can to keep yourself safe- try not to drink before getting behind the wheel, use ride-sharing services like Uber whenever possible, and only drive when it is absolutely necessary. Not only will you prevent injuries or fatalities, you’ll also prevent yourself from getting a DUI and having to pay the associated fees with such an offense.
3) Wear Your Seatbelt
The most obvious tip is to always wear your seat belt when driving. Even though this is common sense for most people, one in four car accidents involves a car with an unbelted driver or passenger. This is why it is so important to keep yourself and others safe- in a car accident, not wearing your seatbelt can cause very serious and even fatal injuries. Wearing a seatbelt can help protect you in the event of an accident, and it is the law in most states.
4) Don’t Drive Distracted
Drowsy driving is another major cause of accidents, so try not to drive when you’re too tired. Many people have fallen asleep at the wheel without knowing it before crashing into something, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Keeping yourself safe means being aware of your surroundings and taking care of yourself by getting enough rest at night before driving the next day. Avoid using your cell phone while driving as well- according to statistics, almost 30% of all accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Also, always check your mirrors before changing lanes or turning, and don’t engage in any other dangerous activities while driving.
5) Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
Lastly, keeping your vehicle maintained is another obvious, but very important tip. Making sure that you have an oil change when necessary, keeping your tires inflated correctly, and getting regular tune-ups can help you to avoid mechanical problems while driving. These things can cause accidents without intending to, so it’s best to take extra care in making sure your car is in tip-top shape. So, before you head out on the road, always double-check that your headlights, windshield wipers, and tires are in good condition. If not, make sure to get them fixed before hitting the road.
As a driver, it is important to be aware of the law and follow all safety tips in order to prevent accidents. In this article, we have outlined some of the most important legal tips for drivers. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions while driving, and never drink and drive. Knowing the law can help keep you safe while on the road! We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Have a safe trip!
