Every person who drives on the Tennessee streets is obligated to not only take care of himself or herself, but also to look out for the other people on the road. Unfortunately, drivers often disregard many of the traffic laws, and such disregard ends up hurting other people by causing accidents. The following are some of the top traffic laws that people ignore in the state of Tennessee and a little bit about the repercussions.
Speeding Laws
The most common traffic laws that people ignore in the state of Tennessee are the speeding laws. Many drivers assume that they can go five miles past the speed limit and escape ticketing. Some drivers travel at speeds that are more than 10 miles per hour faster than the assigned limits. Speeding causes many accidents, and the violators have to pay substantial costs. Just one mile over the speed limit can leave a person with a fine of more than $200 and at least one point on his or her driver’s license.
Stopping Laws
Another common deadly and dangerous move that Tennessee drivers make is ignoring the stopping rules. Drivers are supposed to yield at yellow lights and stop completely at red lights. Stop sign approachers should stop for eight seconds before crossing the street. Many drivers rush through traffic lights and risk their lives and other people’s lives. Their stop sign stops are often short or non-existent. The fines for ignoring the stopping laws can be more than $200, and the violators receive four points for ignoring the sign.
Seatbelt Laws
Seatbelt laws are often ignored because the drivers do not think that they have to obey them. Some of them carry the rationale that it is their life that is at risk. However, accidents can occur, and seatbelts can be the only items that keep a driver grounded enough to maneuver the vehicle. For that reason, no driver should ever ignore taking a second to click it.
Improper Passing Laws
Improper passing causes many accidents. Drivers usually break this law by passing other vehicles on narrow roads where no broken dotted line exists. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine of more than $300 and about four points.
Improper Turning
Improper turning is something that often occurs when drivers are in a rush. They pull out into major highways without stopping to look both ways. Sometimes they fail to stop at all.
Following Distance
The following distance is another important rule that drivers often break. Drivers should leave at least two car lengths of space in between the vehicles ahead of them. Failure to do so leaves much room for accidents, especially during periods of inclement weather.
Personal Injuries and Disregarding Traffic Laws
Personal injuries are incidents that occur because of another person’s neglect. Traffic accident injuries are some of the largest personal injuries that a person can suffer. A victim of an auto accident may be eligible to receive compensatory damages and punitive damages for something that happens to him or her. Many personal injury attorneys will represent such a person on a contingency basis, as well. Contingency representation is free until the client receives the settlement. Anyone who has suffered an injury can contact a personal injury attorney and schedule an appointment for an initial consultation.
