When learning how to drive, it can be nerve-wracking to remember all of the rules of the road as you set off in your vehicle. Although there are many laws to follow, careful studying and paying attention while driving will help you for the rest of your life as a driver. These are the key traffic laws every new driver should learn to stay out of trouble on the road.
Follow Speed Limits
The distinctly marked speed limit signs along the side of the road are not a suggestion, but a concrete law. They were determined by road officials based on many factors including the amount of traffic on the road, the incline, how windy the road is, and many more. These days, most navigation apps will display the speed limit on the bottom of the screen so you will always know if you are going above or below it. For this reason, there is no excuse you can make to a police officer who pulls you over for speeding because you had all of the information you needed to know what the speed limit was.
Stop for Stop Signs and Red Lights
Although it can be tempting to breeze through a stop sign if no one else is around, you never know where there will be police cameras that can catch you breaking the law. Experienced Sydney traffic lawyers say that this is a mistake drivers make that can land them a big fine. It is also important to come to a complete stop and look both ways before you proceed for your safety and the safety of others.
Obey Right-of-Way Rules
As you learn to drive, remember that the ones who always have the right of way are pedestrians. Always keep your eyes out for zebra crossings and come to a complete stop when you see pedestrians.
Use the Turn Signal
The turn signal on your steering wheel is not just a fun thing you can switch on whenever you want but is an essential tool for keeping yourself and others safe on the road. As you learn to drive, do not get into the habit of skipping the turn signal step just because there is no one behind you. It is also important to remember that you should turn the signal on long before you are actually making the turn so that others around you know your intentions. Otherwise, you could end up cutting someone off and could cause an accident.
Avoid Distracted Driving
The best way to learn how to drive is to do it without the use of mobile phones. Many experienced drivers now try to use their phones for navigation or sneak a peek at their messages while at a full stop, but even these things lead to distracted driving and can cause accidents. When you are behind the wheel, focus on your task and wait to look at your phone until you are parked at your destination. Any message can wait until you are not operating heavy machinery on the road.
By sticking to these key traffic laws, you will emerge on the roads as a capable and safe driver. Not only will this help you avoid penalties, but it will also ensure the safety of everyone sharing the road with you.
