This part 2 of an earlier post we did on rules of the road people often forget. See part 1 of this series HERE.
Think back to when you were a brand-new driver. You probably knew the driving handbook front to back because you wanted to ace the test. How do you think you’d do today if you had to take the test? Most adults could probably get a decent score, even if they had to guess, but its reasonable to think you’ve forgotten some of the rules of the road. Some drivers get complacent about driving and neglect or ignore the laws. To prevent accidents when you’re behind the wheel of your car, remember these rules:
Although Tennessee permits a right turn on red, drivers must come to a complete stop. This does not mean a rolling stop, reduced speed or a slight tap on the brake pedal. A stop is a complete ceasing of motion.
Tennessee code states, “every driver who intends to start, stop or turn, or partly turn from a direct line, shall first see that that movement can be made in safety, and whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement, shall give a signal required in this section, plainly visible to the driver of the other vehicle of the intention to make such movement.” Turn signals aren’t a courtesy, they’re the law.
The lines on the road aren’t just to show lanes, they are alerts to show drivers what the proper protocol is in that section of highway. You should not cross a solid white line when you’re driving. Nor should you pass when the line on your side of the road is solid. Wait to switch lanes or pass when the lines turn back to dashed lines.
If you move, you typically have 30 days to change your address on your driver’s license before you’re in violation of the law. It’s easy to forget to renew your license, too, but you don’t want to get a ticket and have to pay extra for having an expired license.
There might be times where you want to cut through the parking lot to avoid traffic, but technically, it’s against the law.
When a school bus stops to load or unload children, you must stop, no matter which direction you’re coming from. Not only does this protect the kids, it also saves you hundreds of dollars in fines.
Be a polite, careful and observant driver. The goal is not to get to your destination in the quickest time, but to get there safely.
After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.
