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Every Driver on California Roads Must Follow These Five Rules

It might seem that some drivers are following their own rules on California roads – and some of them are. But that does not mean that they are not subject to the rules. Check out these five rules that every California driver is required to follow every time they are on the road.

  1. Carrying Insurance
  2. Every motorist in California is required by law to have insurance on any vehicle they own. If you are driving a vehicle that you do not own, then it is your responsibility to ensure that the owner has a valid insurance policy on the vehicle. If you do not do so, and you get into a car accident, then you could be personally sued for the damages.
  3. Obey All Posted Speed Limits
  4. Speed limits are not arbitrary. They are posted after extensive research into how fast a vehicle can safely drive. While no one really wants to drive 55 miles per hour on the highway, if we all drove 85 miles per hour, then there would be many more fatal car accidents. Note that the speed limit is only designed for ideal conditions. If it is dark out, it is raining, there is fog, or conditions are otherwise not perfect, then it is wise to slow down accordingly.
  5. Pay Attention to What is Happening Around You
  6. There are some distractions that you simply can’t avoid, such as passengers in your vehicle talking to you, or flashy billboards you pass on the road. However, you can prevent many distractions from occurring and ensure that you have your eyes on the road. Do not talk on the phone while driving. Do not apply makeup – even at red lights. Stay present and concentrate on what is happening on the road.
  7. Wear a Seatbelt
  8. There is a reason that seatbelts are also referred to as safety belts – they keep you safe. According to statistics by the National Safety Council, using a seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury in a car accident by 50%. Is it always comfortable? No, but it is more comfortable than wearing a neck brace or going into a coffin.
  9. Not Driving While Intoxicated
  10. This applies to drinking and driving as well as using marijuana (or other drugs) and driving. If you are intoxicated then you should not be driving. Study after study has proven how dangerous this is and how much a person’s abilities are reduced when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you have been involved in a car accident and are in need of a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney, we recommend you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away.