When we learn to drive, we must pass a written and road test demonstrating that we have learned the traffic rules in Louisiana. How many of us can still remember everything we had to learn for our driving test? After many years of driving, we forget some traffic laws that we might not encounter or use each day. Unfortunately, we also become confident in our driving skills which can cause us to become careless about breaking some traffic rules.

However, when we are careless and ignore the basic rules of the road, we can become a danger to ourselves and others on the road. When we break traffic laws and cause an accident, we receive a traffic ticket for the violation, but we can also be held legally liable for any damages caused by the accident.

Five Basic Traffic Laws and Rules That Are Routinely Ignored by Drivers

Distracted driving and drunk driving are known to be dangerous and to increase the risk of being involved in a traffic accident. However, there are other traffic laws and rules that people routinely break that put themselves and others at risk.

  • Texting and Driving

Texting and driving is a common form of distracted driving, and it is extremely dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in a deadly car crash. Even though there are many different campaigns to educate drivers on the dangers of texting and driving, accidents continue to occur because a driver was reckless by thinking he or she could text and drive without causing an accident.

  • Obeying the Speed Limit

Most drivers are guilty of speeding from time to time. However, speeding increases the risk of causing an accident for several reasons. Excessive speed reduces reaction times and the ability to control a vehicle. Posted speed limits are not arbitrary numbers. Speed limits are carefully chosen after researching the area to determine the maximum speed a vehicle should travel given the area’s conditions.

  • Failing to Yield the Right of Way

Accidents caused by failing to yield the right of way occur for a variety of reasons. Drivers may be distracted, impaired, rushed, or simply aggressive. When approaching an intersection or driving on a busy street, drivers must pay close attention to which drivers have the right of way to avoid an accident.

  • Illegal Maneuvers

Some driving maneuvers are illegal and dangerous. U-turns may seem innocent; however, they are banned in certain areas because of the increased risk of an accident for failing to yield the right of way. Weaving in and out of traffic is another reckless maneuver that can cause accidents.

  • Wearing Seatbelts

Even though studies have shown that wearing a seatbelt decreases the risk of serious injury or death in an accident, many drivers and passengers fail to buckle up. As a driver, you should always wear your seatbelt and require your passengers to buckle up.

Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney

If you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You should not be required to suffer financial losses because of another driver’s negligence.

Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans car accident attorney. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis so that you can get the legal help you need without worrying about how to pay attorney’s fees upfront.