Traffic violations usually don’t happen because someone sets out to break the law. They happen because a driver gets impatient or becomes distracted behind the wheel. Any number of factors can contribute to an accident, but they’re almost always unintentional – hence why we call them accidents. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be avoided.
With the right attention to detail, you can stay safer on the road.
Here are a few common traffic violations, what they mean, and some practical ways to avoid each one.
- Speeding
Speeding obviously means driving faster than the posted limit. However, it can also mean going faster than conditions safely allow. You can be driving at the speed limit and still be going too fast for heavy rain, construction zones, or traffic.
The best way to avoid speeding is to leave earlier than you think you is needed. Most speeding is the result of trying to get somewhere in a hurry. If you’re already late, every red light or slow driver can cause you to push the gas pedal a little heavier. Giving yourself extra time lowers that pressure and makes it easier to drive at a reasonable pace.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems on the road today. For many drivers, the biggest problem is the phone. Checking a text message or notification for even just a second or two can be enough to cause an accident.
There are countless ways to avoid distracted driving. However, the best option is to put your phone somewhere you can’t easily reach while driving. By removing the temptation altogether, you can avoid putting yourself in a situation where a notification or call comes through, and it zaps your attention.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
We’ve all run a red light or stop sign before. Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times it’s more subtle, like rolling through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop.
Intersections are already dangerous places. But when you mix in running red lights or stop signs, they can become death traps. You have drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all converging at one point. And when someone doesn’t stop, everyone else has less time to respond.
The best way to avoid this violation is to move with caution when going through any intersection (regardless of whether it’s a green light or there’s no stop sign on your side). If the light turns yellow and you have enough room to stop safely, stop. If you reach a stop sign, make the full stop even when the road looks empty.
- Following Too Closely
Tailgating is a big problem. While it’s tempting to try and “push” someone to move faster, you’re really only hurting yourself. If they tap the brakes or you suddenly get distracted, it’s easy to end up in a fender bender. You simply don’t have enough space to come to a complete stop.
Tailgating almost never gets you where you’re going much faster. What it does is remove your margin for error. The best thing you can do is use the three-second rule. Pick a fixed object ahead, such as a sign or a tree. When the car in front of you passes it, count three seconds. If you reach the same point before you finish counting, you’re too close.
- Failing to Yield
Failing to yield is usually an accident. Either you don’t know that you’re supposed to yield, or you’re distracted and not focused on what’s happening in front of you. Most commonly, failure to yield violations happen at intersections, crosswalks, or roundabouts. It also happens a lot with left turns.
You can usually avoid these violations by slowing down when you come to problem areas. Don’t try to save a few seconds by pulling out into traffic. Give yourself enough time to see who is already in the intersection, who is approaching, and who has the legal right to go first.
- Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Seat belt laws exist for a reason. A seat belt helps keep you in place during a crash and reduces the risk of being thrown from the vehicle.
This is one of the simplest violations to avoid, but it’s also one of the easiest habits to skip when you’re only driving a few blocks. (The problem is that a large percentage of serious crashes happen close to home. So you always need to be prepared.)
The only real way to address this on a consistent basis is to make buckling up a habit. It should be the first thing you do after starting the ignition. Create a simple checklist for yourself. It may include starting the ignition, putting on your seatbelt, and checking your mirrors. If you make it a point to never put the car in drive before doing these three things, you’ll be fine.
Stay Safe Behind the Wheel
Most traffic violations are the result of momentary distraction or impatience. With that being said, the best way to avoid tickets is to be more aware of your surroundings and to give yourself time to get where you need to go.
By adopting the right driving habits, you can make the right decisions and become a better (and safer) driver.
