Top 10 Things that are Illegal or Potentially Illegal While Driving
Driving is one of the primary modes of transportation, no matter where you live. It's something most of us do at some point.However, if you're behind the wheel, you carry a lot of responsibility. Be mindful of these things, as they could result in fines or worse if you aren't careful.
While not as big of a deal now as a few years ago, this one's a bit more serious than most of the illegal things on the list because it can actually get people killed. But many of us are still getting over the habit of checking our texts or Snapchat while we're behind the wheel. Even at a red light, this isn't a good idea. Just put your phone away.
In Tennessee, the rule is Hands-Free Tennessee. About the stoplight phone check, my sister does that all the time, and I'm like, "Sis, they can still pull you over." She doesn't listen, and a week later, she gets pulled over because she was on her phone at a red light.
Like with texting and driving, people will drink and do drugs while driving, which is dangerous considering they impair your judgment, putting yourself and everyone else at risk. Just know if you're going to go out and drink at a bar or nightclub, get an Uber or a ride from a sober friend.
Guys, it's just not smart. Be safe.
Ah yes, stop signs. We've all seen them. This is another bad habit of anyone who has cruised through the suburbs, going through stop-sign-filled intersections that slowed you down much more than if you'd just stayed in the stop-and-go traffic of the main streets. It's against the law, but you know you've done it. Believe it or not, a rolling stop isn't the same as a regular stop.
People do this all the time. You have to come to a complete stop.
Obviously, you don't want this to become a habit, but we have all done it. You hop into your car, know you are just going a few blocks, and forget to buckle your belt. In most cases, this is no problem, but you should know this: a majority of car crashes occur within five miles of home.
According to a study performed by Progressive Insurance Company back in 2004, 52 percent of car accidents occur within 5 miles of a person's home. Auto accidents occur close to home because people generally let their guard down after they get off of the busy streets.
When was the last time you actually drove the speed limit? While technically it's illegal to exceed the speed posted on those signs, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who actually obeys those signs. Generally, as long as you aren't going 10 mph over and you are keeping up with the flow of traffic, you should be okay.
Hmm, as long as you're not going too fast.
I recently saw someone drive at around 80 on the highway. That's dangerous. It forces people behind to slow down and go into the other lane. It could cause serious accidents.
Again, as long as you're not driving too slow.
Some people really do want to get every last mile out of a day of traveling. They think they can drive all night to get to their destinations without taking proper rest breaks. Those are the types of drivers you want to beware of because their erratic driving and swerving are dangerous to themselves and others.
States like New Jersey and Arkansas have laws about tired drivers, and other states are also in the process of implementing laws to stop this. Honestly, it's almost as bad, if not worse, than being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Disclaimer: While yes, it's legal in many states, some do not allow it. Not that many people pay attention to the law when they're in a rush and there's no oncoming traffic. Chances are you probably treated it like a stop sign: coming to a stop, looking both ways, then getting on your way. As long as you didn't do this in front of a cop car, you were probably fine.
Just make sure you're cautious when turning right on red.
Who doesn't like music, right? We all like to jam out to our favorite songs while driving, but beware of the volume. Playing music to the point where you can't hear horns honking, sirens, or trains approaching can cost you a fine. Also, for the record, wearing headphones is illegal in many states, although why would you do that anyway?
I hate people that blare music.
You've all seen dogs with their heads sticking out of a window, their tongues hanging out. They are just adorable. However, it can lead to serious problems if your pet isn't properly secured, especially in an accident. Unrestrained pets lead to many accidents because they can distract the driver and others around them.
That's not even considering pets like snakes, lizards, and other animals that can get into tiny spaces, under your seat, or even wrap around you, oblivious to the danger they might cause. There might be no federal law about harnessing pets, but many state laws address the subject.
Honestly, as long as you aren't in an accident, you should be fine because those puppies sticking their heads out the window are so freaking cute.