Understanding and Avoiding Common Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are instances of non-compliance with traffic rules that are punishable by law. By that definition, speeding, tailgating, and not wearing a seatbelt all are the same. However, these offenses differ in various ways from their situations to the punishments they bring. Whether you’re an experienced driver who needs to brush up on what they learned in driving school or a novice taking their first driving lessons, you must know all about traffic rules and offenses. While training programs like the Safer Drivers Course and Defensive Driving course teach you safe driving habits, human beings are prone to making mistakes. Whether intentional or not, if you end up violating a traffic rule, you may end up paying penalties or facing more severe punishments. Understanding the different driving offenses can help you avoid them and stay safe on the road. Here we discuss some of the most common traffic offenses and the ways to avoid them.

Common Traffic Violations and How to Avoid Them

Traffic violations are caused by various factors like driver’s behavior, adverse weather, poor road conditions, and distracted driving. Impatience and overconfidence in drivers can also lead to violations of traffic rules. Anxiety, stress, and a lack of awareness regarding traffic rules can also result in unintentional infractions. No matter the cause, they highlight the need for awareness, education, and enforcement of traffic laws to enhance road safety. Here are the most common traffic offenses:

Driving Above the Speed Limits:

The speed limits are specified with big noticeable signs for a reason! Driving above the speed limit means you have less time to perceive and respond to hazards and to stop when you want to. It increases the risk of accidents and creates chaos on the road. Moreover, speeding is a strictly punishable offense leading to heavy fines or even double demerits for repeated offenses. To avoid speeding, make sure you’re always driving below the speed limit. When on highways, you can even use cruise control if your vehicle has that feature.

Incorrect Parking:

Parking incorrectly is also considered a punishable offense under traffic laws. In Australia, it is illegal to park facing oncoming traffic. You must park on the left side of the road, away from all traffic. Parking in restricted spaces or not parking properly can disrupt traffic, obstruct other vehicles, hinder emergency response teams, and upset other road users. You can ask your driving school instructors to pay special attention to parking so that you can gain expertise and avoid breaking the rules.

Jumping Red Lights and Stop Signs:

Running red lights puts you and others on the road at risk. It disrupts the smooth flow of traffic and is a punishable offense. Whether you’re confused by the traffic lights, misjudged a yellow light, or driving in a rush, jumping a red light can increase the risk of accidents. To avoid red light violations, you must slow down your car when approaching an intersection and come to a complete stop at the stop signs. Staying alert and adhering to traffic signals can help improve road safety and avoid offenses.

Distracted Driving:

Using a mobile phone while driving is against the law. It is the most common form of distraction that causes a lot of accidents and traffic violations by drivers. Other distractions include talking to other passengers, adjusting the sound system or navigation, moving objects, or getting something from the backseat, etc. Minimizing distractions like putting away your phone and staying focused on the road while driving can help you avoid penalties and offenses caused by distracted driving.

Not Keeping a Safe Distance:

Keeping a safe following distance is important to maintain order on the road and prevent accidents. Maintaining an appropriate distance gives you ample time to perceive and respond to most hazards on the road and helps avoid rear-end collisions. To keep a safe distance follow the ‘three-second rule’ and maintain it, especially in heavy traffic.

Changing Lanes:

When changing lanes, you must follow some rules to maintain order on the road and not surprise others with a sudden change. Improper lane changes are punishable offenses and must be avoided. You must always signal properly and early on when changing lanes. Make a habit of checking your mirrors for blind spots before changing lanes to prevent accidents.

Not Wearing a Seatbelt:

Wearing a seatbelt is more about the driver’s safety than that of others on the road. It protects you even in a collision, so you must always wear a seatbelt. Moreover, you should also encourage all passengers to do the same whenever you enter the vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI):

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of road deaths all over the world. In Australia, driving under the influence is illegal and can lead to heavy fines and severe punishments for repeated offenses. The simplest answer here is to avoid driving when you’ve consumed alcohol. You should plan and keep a designated driver or ask a friend to drive when you know you might consume alcohol or drugs.

Conclusion

Drivers are responsible for maintaining road safety and upholding traffic laws and rules. Not abiding by these rules can lead to risky situations and increase the chances of accidents. It can also lead to penalties and severe punishments and even cause license suspension. If you’re new to driving or still learning, you should pay extra attention to road rules in your driving lesson. Most reputed driving schools like Onroad Driving Education focus on these in their syllabus. Understanding the common traffic offenses and their causes can help you avoid them. By avoiding infractions and practicing safe driving practices, you can contribute to safer road environments for all.

Source Link