Traffic laws are in place to ensure the safety of all road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Violating these laws can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Despite this, some drivers continue to break the law, putting themselves and others at risk. In this article, we will explore the most violated traffic laws in the USA in recent years.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in the USA. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. In that year, 9,478 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes. Speeding is not only dangerous but also costly. The fines for speeding vary by state but can range from $100 to $2,500.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major traffic violation in the USA. This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and applying makeup while driving. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 8% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. This is a significant increase from the previous year when distracted driving was a factor in 6% of traffic fatalities.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious traffic violation that can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. According to the NHTSA, 28% of all traffic fatalities in 2019 involved a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a decrease from the previous year when 29% of traffic fatalities involved a driver who was under the influence.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is a dangerous traffic violation that can lead to serious accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2019, 846 people were killed and an estimated 143,000 were injured in crashes involving red-light running. Red-light cameras have been implemented in many cities to deter drivers from running red lights, but some drivers continue to break the law.
Driving Without a Seat Belt
Driving without a seat belt is a traffic violation that puts the driver and passengers at risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 47% of all passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts. Many states have laws requiring the use of seat belts, and fines for violating these laws can range from $25 to $200.
Conclusion
In conclusion, violating traffic laws is a serious matter that can have dire consequences. Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, running red lights, and driving without a seat belt are among the most common traffic violations in the USA. By following traffic laws and being mindful of other road users, we can all help to ensure a safer and more pleasant driving experience for everyone.
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