The Importance of Following the Rules of the Road

Did you know that over 93% of people overestimate their driving abilities, claiming that it’s better than average?

It’s true—yet another study shows that the percentage of someone getting into a car accident in their lifetime is about 73%.

The statistics show that many drivers are overconfident and may be unaware of their blind spots. A minor accident is still an accident. Hence, following traffic laws and road etiquette is critical if you want to be a “better” driver.

One small mishap on the road can turn your lives upside down. Therefore, you need to be ultra-careful on the road. Otherwise, a small mistake can cost you your life. 

Understanding The Importance & Purpose Of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs have been saving lives since the automobile boom. These symbols on metal sheets are more helpful than you can imagine. 

However, knowing traffic signs’ true purpose can help you save yourself and your relatives’ lives. Therefore, follow along to know more. 

However, you must remember that this is not a ranking list. In other words, all the purposes are essential, and you must not discredit any. With that nite, let us start exploring traffic signs’ purpose(es). Let’s go!

Need more specific advice? Read on to learn why following road regulations are so important.

1) They Reduce the Risk of Accidents

Traffic laws are there for a reason—to uphold the safety of people using the road. 

Some roads could be near schools or high-traffic areas, while others might have sharp, blind turns. Road signs are often placed at convenient spots like intersections, highways, etc. This is meant to keep people safe and avert disastrous accidents. 

Rules aren’t there for your inconvenience. It’s there to keep the community safe. Even if the drivers around you are willfully breaking the law, don’t allow yourself to give in to that behavior. Nothing is worth speeding or running red lights and potentially risking the lives of others.

2) It Won’t Drain Your Wallet With Repair Fees

Let’s face it: it’s better to be slightly late for work than to head to a garage and foot an expensive repair bill.

If you’re short on cash, you must take your and your vehicle’s safety seriously and avoid any reckless behavior that might damage it. Most car accidents’ fault (and bill) lies in the driver who caused it.

By following road regulations, you can decrease the odds of paying excessive car damage repair fees. Driving safely indirectly gives you more financial breathing room, allowing you to pay off debt faster or save up on things you want more quickly.

3) You Won’t Suffer Legal Consequences

The most immediate consequence of breaking traffic regulations is the possibility of getting a ticket.

Police officers are well within their rights to pull you over, and it can be expensive and time-consuming to deal with a traffic violation in court.

Depending on the severity of your infraction, your driver’s license may be confiscated, and you may be suspended from driving for a few months.

It’s also not unheard of for people to be locked up if their violation is a more serious driving offense. The last thing you want is to end up with a criminal record because of preventable driving mistakes. As such, keep on driving safely to remain within the law.

4) You’ll Lessen Traffic Flow

Traffic laws aren’t created solely for passenger safety. It’s also there to prevent any potential traffic jams.

If you live in a crowded city, traffic jams are a common occurrence. Sometimes, you must wait 15 minutes before crossing a single street, which can be incredibly frustrating.

But by breaking road rules like switching lanes in places you shouldn’t, you’re creating a slowdown domino effect. You’d be slowing down several drivers behind you, causing a halting motion and worsening traffic altogether.

It’s essential not to be greedy and be considerate of others on the road. Refrain from cutting corners and always try to drive predictably. While you won’t magically fix the traffic jam, it’ll be more bearable if everyone’s moving as intended.

5) They Keep Pedestrians Safe

Many traffic-related laws are written with pedestrian safety in mind, especially if you’re driving within the city. From staying within the speed limit to not staying far from designated bike lanes, you must adhere to the law while driving.

A seemingly small mistake can devastate pedestrians, so it’s essential to be mindful of the rules even if you don’t see anyone crossing. By doing so, you’ll develop a good habit of driving safely. And if you’re moving with kids, they’ll learn from you through habit, too!

6) Other Drivers Can’t Read You

Drivers aren’t mind readers. While you can use your blinker light and horn, you’re pretty limited when communicating with them. If you take them by surprise by doing something they weren’t expecting, they may not react to it fast enough.

For example, if you’re turning right in a no-turn lane at an intersection, there’s the chance of a head-on collision with someone driving at an average speed from the perpendicular lane.

They probably only had a few seconds to react, and it’s not a good idea to rely on the attention span of another driver to save you from accidents.

And It’s A Wrap!

The bottom line is that following road regulations makes you a predictable (and therefore safe) driver, which is the primary purpose of traffic signs. This makes it easier for other drivers, especially new ones, to navigate the roads.

Keep following our page for more such content, and let us know if you want us to cover something specifically.

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