Commonly Forgotten Driving Laws
If you’ve been driving for any length of time, you probably feel like you have a good grasp on the basic rules of the road. Be that as it may, any police officer or car accident attorney in Dallas would tell you that the cause of many crashes is the fact that drivers forget to follow traffic regulations.
Forgetting driving laws leads to a high rate of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. As such, taking the time to review the following scenarios can help you assess your driving and take measures to reduce the risk of ending up in a crash.
Driving in the Middle Lane
In theory, the middle lane, also known as a turning lane, is designed to reduce the risk of a crash. It gives drivers a place to wait to make a left-hand turn without having to stop in the middle of the road.
Unfortunately, middle lanes make for some of the most dangerous points on the road, acting as uncontrolled areas that allow for two cars driving in opposite directions to use the same lane. When they’re misused, middle lanes can increase the risk of crashes, particularly head-on collisions.
You should never drive in the middle lane, even if there’s a long line of stopped cars at the intersection ahead. If two drivers decide to pull into the middle lane from opposite directions, there’s a good chance of a crash. Instead, stay in the main lane until you reach the point at which you need to make the turn.
Merging From the Middle Lane
It’s not surprising, given their dangerous nature, that middle lanes can put forgetful drivers at risk in more ways than just one. Just as one shouldn’t drive in the middle lane, it is not supposed to be used as a merge lane.
However, drivers who need to make left turns onto busy roads will often wait for a gap in oncoming traffic from the left, then pull into the middle lane and wait until they can merge. That is not how middle lanes are meant to be used, and in many places, such maneuvers can leave you with a ticket.
Although it may involve a longer wait, it’s always best to wait for a lull in traffic before making a left turn onto a main road.
Yielding At Roundabouts
Between circling vehicles, entering and exiting drivers, and multiple cars waiting to enter at different points, roundabouts can easily become chaotic and confusing, and they make for another common site of car accidents.
These accidents commonly occur when drivers forget about roundabout right-of-way laws. Cars already in the driving circle have the right of way, and when multiple cars are waiting to enter the circle, the driver who arrived first should enter first. When in doubt, it’s best to wait until you’re sure it’s safe to proceed.
The High Cost of Forgotten Driving Laws
Forgetting common driving laws not only significantly contributes to the chance of a car accident but also puts you at a higher risk of being found to be at fault for the ensuing accident.
As such, forgetting to obey the law can leave you without the ability to recover compensation, while the other driver’s accident costs are covered by your car insurance policy. Don’t underestimate the importance of knowing and following all the rules of the road at all times.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Dallas, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, Texas, and need legal help, contact our Dallas car accident lawyers at Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers
2512 State St,
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-1420
https://jaymurraylaw.com/
