For drivers who feel as though they’re the kings and queens of the road, take note. Driving is, as it’s always been, a privilege. The DMV can suspend anyone’s driver’s license for infractions like drug and alcohol-related driving offenses, driving without vehicle insurance, and non-payment of traffic fines. Suspended drivers who flout the law can also experience the long arm of the law.
No, You Can’t Do Whatever You Want With Impunity
While passing road tests should guarantee that license holders know their stuff, that’s not always the case. Some don’t care about following the rules intended to keep everyone safe.
Here are 15 essential rules that many drivers sadly ignore even though they definitely shouldn’t.
Stop at Stop Signs
According to an abstract on the National Library of Medicine website, almost 700,000 police-reported car crashes occur annually at stop signs. And around one-third of these collisions result in injuries. So, do yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians a favor. Come to a full stop at stop signs. It’s a basic rule of the road — but it’s one that many drivers ignore.
Don’t Drink and Drive
American Addiction Centers says 53.5% of survey respondents say they feel confident in their ability to drink and drive, while 46.5% wisely say otherwise. Despite all the warnings about how dangerous drinking and driving is, many people who share the road with you, your family, and your friends believe they can do whatever they want.
Put the Phone Away
Depending on the state, you could face steep fines if caught driving while holding a phone. Considering that phone use while driving contributes to 1.6 million collisions annually, you’re better off pulling off to the side of the road before receiving or initiating a call.
Give Way to Pedestrians
It should be clear that pedestrians have the right of way. If you’re driving and a pedestrian is crossing, the law requires you to yield and stop your car so people can cross safely.
Use Seat Belts
Seat belt laws differ across the country. But suggesting that all drivers and passengers should buckle up shouldn’t stir up controversy. Wearing seat belts could be the difference between surviving an accident and getting thrown through a window after a collision.
Use Turn Signals
Some drivers act like using turn signals is optional — an unnecessary goodwill gesture. But the blinkers inform other drivers what you plan to do so they can respond accordingly.
Use Your Headlights
Use your headlights in low-light conditions. It’s about helping other drivers see you on the road. But be careful with those high beams. If you give drivers a face full of high-intensity light from your high beams, they may retaliate to show you how disorienting that can be.
Don’t Park in the Handicap Space
Okay, this isn’t a rule of the road, per se. But it’s an important rule drivers should adhere to. There’s a reason for having parking spots reserved for people with disabilities. Unless you have some sort of disability and get the right parking permits, avoid those designated spots.
Respect the Speed Limit
Some countries don’t have hard-and-fast speed limits — hello, Germany! — but you’ll have to watch how fast you drive on U.S. roads and highways. Remember, as well, that the posted speed limit assumes weather and driving conditions are ideal. Slow down if they’re not.
Avoid Tailgating
Did you know that rear-end collisions account for around one in four — 23% — of all vehicle accidents? The only thing worse than being tailgated is doing the tailgating. When someone follows too closely behind another vehicle, they reduce the margin for error. If the driver being tailgated stops suddenly, there’s a higher probability of a rear-end crash.
Respect the Right of Way
Some drivers erroneously assume they’re free to merge into a lane just because they signaled first. By signaling, you’re conveying to other drivers your intention. But it may or may not be safe for them to slow down and allow you to merge. Quite frankly, they simply might not want to give you that courtesy. However you slice and dice it, you can’t force your way into a lane.
Stay Home When the Weather’s Bad
An unwritten rule is that it’s best to stay off the roads if you can when the weather is bad. If there’s a snowstorm, torrential rain, or dense fog, that’s no time to be out and about.
Stay Out of the Passing Lane
One behavior that gets under the skin of many drivers is when people clog up the passing lane. Stay in the right lane unless you need to make a left turn, want to go around a slowpoke, or need to avoid a lane closure. Otherwise, you have no business in the passing lane.
Check Blind Spots
All vehicles have blind spots. It’s just that some have more or bigger blind spots than others. Your duty as a driver is to know your vehicle’s blind spots and take proper precautions.
Take It Easy on the Brakes
Unfortunately, it’s not just novice drivers who overuse their brakes. Sometimes, experienced drivers do the same due to their aggressive driving. You might be forced to slam on the brakes if driving too fast. That’ll make the roads unsafe for everyone.
Respect the Written and Unwritten Rules of the Road
Most drivers are guilty of doing at least one or two of these 15 no-nos. Some of these written or unwritten rules might not seem like a big deal, but they will be if accidents result. Remember that driving isn’t a right — it’s a privilege. Don’t get yours suspended or revoked.
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