Rules of the Road People Often Forget

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Once upon a time, we were all brushed up on the rules of the road. Then, we passed our driving test and (most of us) promptly forgot the bulk of what we were taught. “Yeah, yeah, where are the pedals?” And off we went. Even though the Department of Motor Vehicles does not require you to take tests periodically, your safety and the safety of others is dependent upon your knowledge of road rules and right of way laws. We have gathered commonly forgotten rules that will serve you well if you reference this page now and again. No one wants to be injured, and we certainly do not want to be the person that hurts someone!

When to Turn on Red

An interesting law in many states is that, if both streets at a particular intersection are one way, you may turn left on red after coming to a complete stop and making sure there are no cars coming. However, it is important that you know state law before you choose to do this. Some states may have historically outlawed the left on red at a one-way intersection and it is important to know the local laws when driving. Further, if the person behind you at a red light knows this law and you do not, they may get frustrated with you as you have become an obstruction to traffic.

Zipper Merging

Where there is a merging lane, drivers can often refuse to allow other cars in because they think they should go to the back of the line. Contrary to that belief, zipper merging refers to cars merging at the last moment as the extra lane disappears. Stacking the cars in a zipper action is the correct and most efficient way to merge. It does not delay us because we are only each letting one car in. This way, everyone gets to where they need to go safely and efficiently.

Distracted Driving

There is a tendency in modern times to drive very distractedly. Really, we have always been distracted drivers with loud passengers, loud music, dashboard dials and knobs, interesting things on the side of the road, and now, cell phones. Many times, we think we are using our cell phones safely because we are only using them at red lights, or when there are not any other cars around. Unfortunately, we still need to be paying attention at red lights. We may be able to avoid accidents, give room to emergency vehicles, or avoid rear-ending someone. You can be the best driver in the world and still get into an accident because someone cut you off and you were looking down. Wouldn’t that be terrible? You would be at fault!

Cyclists & Pedestrians

Another instance of life-saving driving knowledge is that cyclists and pedestrians almost always have the right of way. Even if they do not, you are not permitted to mow anyone down, anyway. So slow down and give three feet to cyclists on the side of the road, and make sure to watch for pedestrians, especially in parking garages, parking lots, and intersections.

Emergency Vehicle Protocol

Earlier, we mentioned a pet peeve of many safety officers – pulling over or stopping for emergency vehicles. It is very important to let them through safely so that they can save someone’s life without losing their own.

Ultimately, we should be polite, careful and observant drivers. Do not cut people off, follow too closely, drive in someone’s blind spot, or fail to yield to a pedestrian or cyclist. Be kind! Remember, our goal is for everyone to arrive safely.

After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.

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