Some road users disregard traffic rules occasionally and maybe, get away with it. Other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are habitual rule breakers. This is especially true in young drivers who have a showy mentality and are all about fun. Also, as drivers get more experienced, they feel more confident about their driving skills and are likely to engage in risky behavior. Violating traffic regulations may not appear serious in thought, but the consequences could prove otherwise.

It is advisable to follow traffic rules at all times. Here are the reasons to back up this statement.

Contribute To Safety On The Road

It is every driver’s responsibility to maintain safety whenever they hit the road. Traffic regulations are put in place to curb the cases of improper, reckless, and careless driving.

By abiding by rules, you are protecting yourself and other road users. While obeying all the traffic rules does not guarantee safety, the risk of causing collisions or accidents reduces significantly.

Protect Yourself Against Expensive Compensation Claims

If you violate the rules and cause injuries to other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians, things could get worse for you. The injured party or parties can file a lawsuit against you on negligent driving grounds.

The litigation process is often time-consuming, costly, and emotionally taxing. You may be required to provide compensation for different types of damages. This can include medical expenses, loss of income, disfigurement, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.

Sometimes, breaking the traffic rules can lead to the death of other road users. Imagine the mental anguish and suffering the families go through because of someone’s negligent actions. The families of the deceased could sue you for wrongful death. If that happens, the court may compel you to pay economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

A negligent driver can also suffer injuries. Some injuries cause limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. You may need expensive surgeries, ongoing treatment, and round-the-clock home health care, which can easily wipe out savings and investments. Taking care of your health will be costly in the long term – even with health insurance covers.

Worse even, you may not return to your job. This could be heartbreaking for those who depend on you for financial support. Their lives could change completely because of avoidable mistakes.

Avoid Fines and Penalties

Violating traffic rules attracts fines and penalties. However, these vary depending on the type of offense committed – misdemeanor, infraction, or criminal.

For example, the traffic enforcement officers can impound your vehicle, and you risk spending time behind bars. Also, you can earn punitive points on your license record, which could get your driving privileges suspended or revoked.

In some cases, receiving too many tickets within a short period can lead to compulsory attendance of defensive driving lessons.

Keep Your Auto Insurance Costs Low

Findings of a recent study revealed that a single traffic violation added to your driving record could increase your car insurance rate by 35% on average. It doesn’t matter if the offense is a relatively minor infraction. The increase rates vary greatly depending on the location and policy providers.

Insurers set premiums based on your risk profile. When the insurance companies see a record of careless driving behavior like speeding, they categorize you as a high-risk driver. When profiled as a reckless driver, the insurers believe the time for you to file a claim for damages will come eventually.

Generally, driving under the influence has the highest insurance increase rate. On average, a driver with a DUI record pays about $2,916 for their annual auto insurance application. A driver with a clean record pays approximately $1,483. If their driving record has a speeding violation, they will pay about $1,905. The new rates apply when you renew your insurance policy or purchase a new one.

An obedient driver is a better driver, as they value themselves and everyone they are sharing the road with. Imagine what driving could have been like without the rules and regulations. You certainly wouldn’t feel safe driving on a highway or expressway where everyone does whatever they want. Therefore, you must always respect the traffic rules while behind the wheels.