Did you know that you have broken the law before? You might not even be aware of a particular law because just about everyone also breaks it.
Because it is so easy not to know all the laws, we are here to help. Here is a list of three laws that you might be breaking and why you should be more aware of them.
Stop at Crosswalks
While some crosswalks have signs posts that indicate pedestrians have the right of way, this is not the case at every crosswalk. For pedestrians, the only rule is that they do not run in front of cars without giving that car time to stop. Both pedestrians and drivers need to play their part, but drivers should yield to people in crosswalks.
According to WatchForMeNC, “pedestrians hit at 40 mph have an 85 percent chance of dying.”
You can preserve life by keeping an eye out for pedestrians. Wouldn’t you want drivers to do the same for you when you are in the pedestrian’s role?
Eating and Driving
Each year, Americans get busier, and multitasking becomes second nature. Although you have probably never known anyone to get a ticket for eating and driving, it is technically against the law. Eating and driving is one type of distracted driving that could lead to a police officer issuing a citation.
The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles determined that “distracted drivers are the second most common cause of car crashes in the state.”
As you are operating a motor vehicle, it is your responsibility to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Take the extra 10 minutes to stop and eat your food or wait until you arrive at your destination.
Not Using Your Turn Signal
We all know someone who is not fond of using their blinker, turn signal, tinker-tonker, or however else you refer to it. It is important to note that this tool is not there for decoration, but it is a tool to communicate with other drivers on the road. All vehicles are required to have a working signal device to be used when turning and changing lanes.
According to Traffic School, “over 25% of drivers failed to properly use turn signals when turning.”
Be a responsible driver and use the resources that are provided for you in your vehicle. Using the communication device takes very little time and can reduce the number of accidents that occur in turning and lane-changing situations.
Now that you are aware of these three surprising laws, you can help to support them. By sharing this knowledge with others, we can all do our part to help make North Carolina a safer place.
If you have been involved in a traffic accident or have other questions, contact us today.
