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5 New York Traffic Laws Motorists Ignore

5 New York Traffic Laws Motorists Ignore

Most motorists in New York have skimmed over some traffic laws and you may have even overlooked a regulation yourself at some point in time. However, you may not realize the full extent of the problem and how traffic violations can put you at serious risk of accidents. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there are more than 3.5 million moving violations cited by law enforcement every year. Almost 727,000 of these tickets are issued in and around Manhattan, making up almost 21 percent of all citations.

 

While these drivers may have reasons for engaging in misconduct, there is no excuse for the way their acts pose a threat to all other road users. You should talk to a New York car accident attorney if you were hurt because of the following traffic laws motorists ignore.

 

  1. Speeding: Officials implement speed limits for good reasons, whether because of road conditions, traffic patterns, or other factors; motorists also have an obligation to drive a safe speed regardless of the posted speed limit. Still, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that excessive speed is an underlying or contributing cause in around 26 percent of all fatal car accidents. Traveling too fast increases the potential for crashes because drivers have less response time, but speed can also lead to more violent impacts when a collision does occur.

 

  1. Failure to Yield Right of Way: Even if drivers know the basic rules of the road, not all have a solid grasp of right of way regulations that apply to certain traffic situations. Failure to yield is a particular problem:

 

  • At T-intersections, where the laws give right of way to vehicles traveling in the through-street;
  • At four-way stops, when multiple vehicles arrive to the signal at the same time; and,
  • When drivers roll through a stop sign, failing to yield to a pedestrian crossing the street.

 

  1. Passing in No Passing Zones: Though some traffic violations may be honest mistake, others are intentional and typically occur because a driver is in a rush. There are specific rules about passing a motorist in traffic, which is illegal when there is a solid line separating traffic on a two-lane street. Regulations on no passing zones are aimed at protecting drivers, so violations are a threat to your safety.

 

  1. Distracted Driving: Despite knowing the dangers of texting, talking on the phone, and posting to social media, New York motorists have a hard time putting the phone down. The DMV announced that 160 individuals are killed and more than 33,000 victims suffered injuries because of distracted driving every year. When such activities interfere with a motorist’s visual, manual, and cognitive capabilities, accidents happen.

 

  1. Driving While Intoxicated: It is a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but harsh penalties are not always a deterrent. One threat is motorists who drive while “buzzed,” thinking that they are not impaired after having just a couple of drinks. However, many drivers’ abilities are affected even if they have not consumed enough alcohol to register at the legal limit.

 

Our New York Car Accident Lawyers Can Explain Your Legal Options

 

If you were hurt because of these or other violations of New York traffic laws, please contact The Mandel Law Firm to discuss your remedies. A ticket is strong proof of negligence, though you will need other legal support to get the compensation you deserve. To learn how we can help with the process, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. You can reach our Manhattan office by calling (646) 770-3868 or checking us out online.

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