At a minimum, all drivers are expected to obey New York State’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws and exercise reasonable care to avoid any accidents. While getting a ticket can be frustrating, traffic violations can lead to severe accidents and resulting injuries. When drivers violate the law and collisions result, they can be found negligent per se. Although there is no foolproof way to avoid every accident, driving cautiously and obeying traffic regulations is the best way to keep you and others safe.
Avoiding Five Highly Prevalent Traffic Violations
Speeding: Traveling over the speed limit is the most common traffic violation. Speed limits exist to prevent accidents and save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 9,400 victims who suffered speeding-related fatalities in a single recent year. It is important to remember that speed limits are the maximum rate you can travel by law. It is also imperative not to drive too fast for the given road conditions.
Failing to Stop at Red Lights: The American Automobile Association (AAA) uncovered that in a single recent year, roughly 940 victims were killed because careless motorists ignored red lights. Obeying traffic signals is one of the easiest but most effective ways to prevent car crashes. Avoid running red lights by slowing down, as opposed to speeding up, when approaching yellow lights.
Driving Under the Influence: Drunk driving is considered one of the most serious traffic violations because it causes over 10,000 victims to lose their lives each year. Before drinking or using drugs, make sure that you have a designated driver. If not, call a taxi or use rideshare. The legal blood alcohol content in New York State is 0.08. Additionally, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis or other drugs.
Neglecting to Signal: The use of turn signals is necessary to indicate your intended course of action to other motorists. When drivers fail to use their blinkers before changing lanes or turning, others may not have adequate time to react or maneuver as needed to avoid crashing. Our highly experienced attorneys recommend getting in the habit of always using your blinkers.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt: Both drivers and passengers are required to buckle up. Unfortunately, the number of deaths resulting from accidents in which people were unrestrained is significant.
Discuss Your Case with a Practiced Western New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you, or a loved one, have been brutally injured or worse in a car accident, Jed Dietrich, Esq., distinguished as a Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyer in Buffalo, and his highly knowledgeable team of car collision lawyers are here to ease your mind. When another motorist violates a Vehicle and Traffic Law, our battle-tested attorneys can bring a negligence per se claim against them. Our seasoned team of lawyers is available around the clock by calling 716-839-3939 or completing the online consultation form.