Obey Everyday Laws

Obeying traffic laws and other driving laws helps keep everyone safe on the road.  A motor vehicle is a dangerous and deadly weapon in the wrong hands. The safety of all road users depends on all motorists following a precise set of rules. Approximately 5 million collisions and crashes happen in America each year. In 2017, 37,133 traffic-related deaths occurred, a large portion of which can be attributed to one or more drivers not obeying traffic laws. It is important that all drivers know and obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws that apply to operating a motor vehicle on public roads.   

STOP Signs

An 8-sided red STOP sign indicates that you must make a full “STOP” whenever you see this sign. Stop at the white limit line (a wide white line painted on the street) or before entering the crosswalk.  If a limit line or crosswalk is not painted on the street, stop before entering the intersection. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding.  Most collisions occur at intersections, resulting in millions of dollars of damage, injuries, and deaths.  Choosing to stop completely could mean the difference between life and death. 

What Does YIELD Really Mean?

In driving, yield means to allow other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists have right-of-way before you proceed.  The YIELD sign is a regulatory sign, which means that it regulates traffic and all drivers must obey it.  At a YIELD sign, drivers must slow down and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles that are approaching from another direction. 

When you see a Yield sign, you should:

• Slow to a speed where you can stop safely.
• Check for other vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes in all directions. 
• Come to a stop if necessary. 
• Proceed when traffic is clear.

Being able to recognize road signs as you drive and respond accordingly is an important part of being a safe driver, sharing the road, and respecting right-of-way rules.  Failure to yield the right-of-way to other drivers is one of the top 5 causes of collisions in the U.S.