Road Safety and Traffic Rules

Traffic Safety and Rules of the Road

• A second conviction of driving 55 mph or faster and exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more within a year will result in a license suspension for at least 60 days.
• Vehicle safety inspections are required once a year.
• Before driving down a steep hill, switch into a lower gear if possible.

Driver's License and Penalties

• Refusing to take a chemical test when requested by an officer will result in license revocation.
• A third-time offender of the point system will have their license suspended for 12 months.
• Accumulating seven points against your license may require attendance at a driver improvement clinic.
• Passing a stopped school bus will result in five points added to your driving record.

Traffic Accidents and Alcohol

• About 38% of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.
• In urban areas, about two out of every five people killed in traffic accidents are pedestrians.
• It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent.

Safe Driving Practices

• Tailgating can frustrate other drivers and make them angry.
• Driving under the influence of any medication that impairs driving is not permitted under any circumstances.
• A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that vehicles next to the broken line may pass.

Parking and Intersections

• When parking uphill on a two-way road with no curb, turn your front wheels right, toward the side of the road.
• In a minor collision at an intersection, move your vehicle out of the traffic lane if possible.

Freeways and Merging

• When driving behind a large truck on the freeway, leave extra space because the truck driver needs room to stop the vehicle.
• When merging onto the freeway, drive at or near the speed of traffic on the freeway.
• Make room for merging traffic if possible.

Pedestrians and Construction

• Always yield to a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog.
• When you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway, be prepared for workers and equipment ahead.

Passing and Merging

• When passing another vehicle, do not assume the other driver will make space for you to return to your lane.
• When passing, make sure you can see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror before returning to your lane.

Defensive Driving

• Drive defensively by keeping your eyes moving to look for possible hazards.
• Always use your horn when it may help prevent a collision.
• Always stop before crossing railroad tracks when there isn't room on the other side for you to completely cross the tracks.