From American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division
Highway Safety Law Awareness Week is a crucial time to reflect on the laws that keep our roads safe and to recommit to responsible driving. By understanding and adhering to these laws, we can significantly reduce motor-related incidents, injuries, and fatalities. Let’s break down key traffic laws and safe driving tips to help you stay informed and safe on the road.
Move Over Law
The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other vehicles displaying flashing lights, stopped on the roadside. This law is designed to protect first responders, maintenance workers, and stranded motorists from harm.
Tips for Compliance:
- Always stay alert for flashing lights ahead.
- Safely change lanes to create a buffer zone.
- If unable to change lanes, reduce your speed below the speed limit, but no slower than 20 mph below the speed limit, and proceed with caution.
Seatbelt Law
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash. In Pennsylvania, there are few exceptions to needing to be buckled in. Drivers are ultimately responsible for their passengers and should require everyone to buckle up, regardless of their seating position in the vehicle.
Tips for Compliance:
- Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip.
- Ensure children are in appropriate car seats or booster seats.
- Regularly check seatbelt functionality.
Distracted Driving Laws
Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, is a leading cause of crashes. Most states have laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving, Pennsylvania is no exception.
Tips for Compliance:
- Use hands-free devices for calls.
- Set your GPS and playlists before starting your trip.
- Store your phone out of reach to avoid temptation.
DUI Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. DUI laws impose severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time, for offenders.
Tips for Compliance:
- Never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Plan ahead with a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.
- Report suspected impaired drivers to authorities.
Stop Light Laws
Running red lights is a serious traffic violation that can result in tragedy. Stop light laws mandate that drivers come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs.
Tips for Compliance:
- Approach intersections cautiously and be prepared to stop.
- Never speed up to “beat” a red light.
- Always yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
Safe Driving Tips
In addition to following traffic laws, practicing safe driving habits can save a life:
- Maintain a safe following distance: On dry pavement, keep at least a four-second gap between your car and the vehicle ahead. Increase following distance in bad weather.
- Adhere to speed limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Check your blind spots: Always look over your shoulder when changing lanes.
- Avoid fatigued driving: If you’re tired, take a break or let someone else drive.
- Prepare for weather conditions: Slow down and use headlights in rain, fog, or snow.
Highway Safety Traffic Law Awareness Week is an opportunity to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and prioritize safety behind the wheel. By adhering to all traffic laws and incorporating safe driving practices, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
The post Highway Safety Law Awareness Week: What You Need to Know appeared first on BCTV.
Source: bctv