Getting your driver’s license is an exciting milestone. But before you can start driving, there are a few things you need to know. In addition to understanding how to operate a vehicle and obey the rules of the road, you also need to know about traffic laws. Here are five traffic laws you need to know before you start driving.
Right-of-Way Laws
Whenever two vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously, one car must yield the right-of-way to the other. Right-of-way rules determine who goes first. Some intersections have yield signs or stop signs that tell drivers who must pay the right-of-way. When approaching such an intersection, always come to a complete stop and then proceed when it is safe to do so.
Speed Limits
You must obey posted speed limits at all times. The speed limit is the maximum speed allowed under ideal conditions. The speed you drive will depend on the weather, road conditions, and traffic. It also depends on your state and the route you are taking. Generally, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go slower rather than faster.
Passing Laws
Passing another vehicle on the road is only allowed when it can be done safely and without obstructing traffic flow. Drivers must signal when they intend to pass another car and must not return to their original lane until they have safely cleared the passing vehicle. Always use your mirrors and check your blind spots before passing another vehicle.
Cell Phone Laws
In many states, it is illegal for drivers to use their cell phones while behind the wheel—even if they use hands-free devices if you need to make a call or send a text message while driving, pull over in a safe area first before using your cell phone.
Seatbelt laws
In most states, it is incumbent on all passengers in a vehicle to wear seatbelts at all times, no matter where they are sitting. In addition, children under a certain age must be adequately secured in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their size and weight. Not wearing a seatbelt increases the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident.
Obeying traffic laws is essential for keeping yourself and others safe on the roads. So before you start driving, understand these five critical traffic laws. Additionally, there are some ways you can learn about your state’s traffic laws and drastically reduce your chances of getting in an accident. Here are some of those options.
Start Driving Early
The best way to learn about traffic laws is to start driving early. You can begin by taking a learner’s permit exam, which will teach you the basics of driving and allow you to practice in a controlled environment. Once you have your learner’s permit, you can start practicing with a parent or guardian. You can take this kind of exam as early as 14 years old. Here are other benefits of driving early:
Know About Cars
In addition to understanding traffic laws, it’s essential to know about cars. How do they work? What are their blind spots? How should you adjust your mirrors? What is the proper way to change lanes? You can learn about these things by driving early.
Experience
The more experience you get, you can be a better and safer driver. Driving early will allow you to master different skills, such as parallel parking and merging onto the highway. The more experience you have, the better equipped you’ll be to handle various driving situations.
Defensive Driving
You should also learn about defensive driving. This kind of driving is about being aware of your surroundings and anticipating what other drivers might do. It can help you avoid accidents.
There are many ways to learn about traffic laws and become a better driver. Of course, the best way is to start driving early, but you can also take a defensive driving course or read about cars.
Go on Road Trip With Your Parents
Road trips are a great way to spend time with your family and learn about different parts of the country. They can also be a great opportunity to bond with your parents and learn more about their driving habits. If you go on a road trip with your parents, take the opportunity to ask them questions about traffic laws. You can also practice different driving skills, such as parallel parking or making a three-point turn.
Knowing about the country’s traffic laws is essential, but so is understanding the laws of the state where you live. Each state has its traffic laws, so it’s necessary to be familiar with the laws of the state where you’ll be driving. You can learn about your state’s traffic laws by taking a driver’s education course or reading the driver’s manual.
