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National Traffic Safety Month: Essential Traffic Laws to Keep in Mind
Jason Storoschuck
As we mark National Traffic Safety Month this August, it's crucial to highlight some commonly disregarded traffic laws that can have significant consequences for your safety and legal standing on the road. Staying informed and mindful of these often-overlooked rules not only helps you avoid fines but also protects your rights and keeps insurance premiums low.

Speed Limits
Adhering to posted speed limits is more important than many drivers realize. Speeding violations can lead to fines, license points, and potentially more severe consequences. Remember, speed limits are set for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Stop Signs and Red Lights
Failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs or running red lights is a serious offense that can result in citations, legal penalties, and increased insurance premiums. A ticket for running a red light can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, emphasizing the importance of obeying traffic signals.

Using Turn Signals
Proper signaling is crucial for communicating your intentions to other drivers and maintaining safe road behavior. Neglecting to signal lane changes or turns can contribute to accidents and disputes over fault, which can lead to higher insurance costs and legal issues.

Distracted Driving
Despite awareness campaigns and legislation, distracted driving remains a prevalent issue. Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions significantly increase the risk of accidents and legal liabilities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for over 3,000 deaths in 2020.

Failure to Yield
Observing right-of-way rules is essential for preventing collisions and legal disputes. Failing to yield when required can lead to accidents, injuries, and potential legal consequences. Always be aware of your surroundings and give way to other vehicles and pedestrians as needed.

Tailgating
Following too closely behind other vehicles not only increases the risk of rear-end collisions but also raises questions of negligence and liability in the event of an accident. Maintain a safe following distance to ensure you have enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.

Improper Lane Usage
Drifting between lanes without signaling or making unsafe lane changes can result in accidents and legal disputes over fault and liability. Always check your blind spots and use turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers.

Ignoring Pedestrians and Crosswalks
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks, and failing to yield can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential civil liability in the event of an accident. Ensure you stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks and be vigilant in areas with high foot traffic.

Accidents are often associated with a significant increase in insurance premiums. Annual rates for drivers with one accident on their records can be $872 higher. With both personal and community-wide risk in mind, let's all take responsibility for our actions on the road—not just this month but all year round.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or other matters, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact S&K Insurance today to ensure your safety and legal rights are fully protected.
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