Top 5 Traffic Laws Broken in the United States

1. Speeding

Going above the posted speed limit decreases your ability to control your vehicle. The Governors Highway Safety Association finds that speeding drivers are responsible for around one-third of roadside fatalities. Speed limit signs are posted regularly on roadways, so drivers rarely have a valid excuse as to why they were driving faster or slower than the posted speed limit.

Impact: Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 26% of all traffic fatalities.

2. Distracted Driving

According to Axle Addict, the odds of crashing or getting into an accident are 23 times higher for distracted drivers. Distracted driving is more common in young drivers with over 60% admitting to texting or talking while driving. But distracted driving isn’t limited to phone use.

Drivers can also receive tickets for being distracted while eating or drinking, listening to music too loudly, looking at themselves in the mirror, reaching for things in the car, and more.

Impact: In 2018, distracted drivers caused nearly 14,300 crashes, with over 60 resulting in fatalities.

3. Drunk Driving

One of the most dangerous things a driver can do is get behind the wheel intoxicated. Alcohol significantly affects a person’s reaction time, processing abilities, and physical movements.

In recent decades, law enforcement has cracked down on impaired driving, with a variety of harsh punishments like license revocation, expensive fines, and jail time. So if you’re thinking of driving under the influence, think again.

Impact: Everyday, almost 30 people in the United States die in accidents involving a drunk-driver.

4. Improper Turns 

Traffic signals and signs are installed at intersections to control how and when vehicles and pedestrians move. When everyone abides by the posted traffic signals, traffic tends to move as it should and everyone gets through the intersection safely. Unfortunately, people regularly ignore traffic signs and make improper turns.

An improper turn is also failing to activate your blinker or turn signal. Indicating that you’re changing lanes or turning your car in a new direction is a simple maneuver, but according to the Society of Automotive Engineers, nearly half of drivers choose not to use their blinkers or turn signals at all while we are driving.

Impact: In 2018, there were 12,871 wrecks as a result of improper turns.

5.  Driving Without a Seatbelt or Improper Restraints for Children

Though rules may differ, most states have seatbelt laws, including Pennsylvania, meaning passengers in both the front and back seats must be properly restrained. All passengers in a moving vehicle are legally required to wear a seatbelt. But drivers ignore these laws without a second thought. BUCKLE UP! IT’S THE LAW!

Impact: Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle increases your odds of surviving an accident by 60%.

Each year, many people are issued tickets for improper child restraints in their vehicle. Car seats and booster seats are specifically designed to protect a child in the event of a crash.

Impact: 43% of children who died from a car crash were improperly restrained or not restrained at all.