Right-of-Way

It happens all the time. You approach a four-way stop. A car pulls up to your right at the same time. You both hesitate for a few seconds. He is not moving, so you figure he is waiting for you to make your move. He is not. He pulls forward just as you do. You both slam on the breaks. Repeat.

Finally, he aggressively stomps the accelerator and speeds through the intersection, aiming a glare in your direction. The embarrassing altercation leaves you wondering who had the right-of-way.
    According to Florida law, he did. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to approach the intersection has the right to pull forward. If two vehicles approach at the same time, right-of-way should be granted to the driver to the right.
    The National Safety Council (NSC), an organization that works to prevent injuries and death through research and advocacy, also monitors car crash trends. Each June, the council hosts National Safety Month, which aims to raise awareness about current safety issues in workplaces, homes and on the road. In 2010, the NSC has chosen to focus the second and fourth weeks in June on driver safety, specifically teen driving safety in week two and dangers of cell phone use while driving in week four.
    In honor of National Safety Month, here are several essential driving laws compiled from the 2009 Driver Safety Handbook:

Safety Belts

    According to the Handbook, motorists are far more likely to be killed in an accident if they are not wearing seat belts. The odds of survival are twice as good when strapped in with shoulder and lap belts.
    Florida law states that everyone under the age of 18 must be restrained by a seat belt or car seat regardless of their position in the vehicle. Drivers and front seat passengers of any age must also wear seat belts. If a passenger 18 years old or older fails to wear a seat belt when required by law, he or she will be fined for the violation, not the driver.
    In a crash, seat belts prevent motorists from being thrown against other passengers or parts of the vehicle. It also prevents passengers from being ejected from the car. The chance of death is five times greater if a passenger is flung from the car.
    Think it is OK to unbuckle after getting off the highway? Think again. More than half of all crashes resulting in injury or death occur at speeds less than 40 MPH and within 25 miles from home.
   

Traffic Lanes

    The left lane of a two-lane highway is reserved for passing. Always drive on the right side of the road.
    Red reflectors on lane lines indicate a driver is on the wrong side of the road. Red reflectors on lines near the edge of the road indicate a driver is on the wrong freeway ramp. Pay close attention to "Wrong Way" signs.

Safe Following Distances

    If you run into a car from behind, you are almost always found to be at fault and cited for the crash. To prevent rear-ending other cars, make sure you are following at a safe distance. The Handbook recommends the "Two-Second Rule." To use the rule, watch the vehicle in front of you pass a certain point (a sign, mailbox, overpass, etc.) and count the number of seconds that tick by before you pass the same point. If you pass the mark before two seconds, you are following too closely. Slow down and count your progress again. If you are driving in poor weather, double the distance to about four seconds.

Reduced Visibility

    When driving in the hours between sunset and sunrise, always turn on low-beam headlights. If you are driving in rain or fog, turn on your low beams. Roads are most slippery right after rain starts to fall because oil from cars has not yet been washed away, according to the Handbook. Increase your stopping and following distances and slow down. If conditions become too dangerous, pull all the way off the road and switch on your emergency flashers.

Pedestrians

    All intersections and driveways are legal crosswalks, even if they are not marked. Drivers who wish to turn at an intersection must stop and yield to all pedestrians before making their move. Bicyclists, rollerbladers and skateboarders are also recognized as pedestrians under Florida law.

Public Transit Vehicles and School Buses
    Drivers must give right-of-way to public transit vehicles. Drivers must yield to buses re-entering the flow of traffic from designated bus stops. Not doing so is against the law.
    Drivers in both oncoming and following traffic lanes must stop completely for school buses that are picking up or dropping off children. To ensure the safety of all the children, do not touch the gas pedal until the bus stop arm is withdrawn.

Cell Phones

    In a recent public opinion poll cited by the NSC, 81 percent of people admitted to talking on their cell phones while driving. Another large chunk of the public said they habitually text message -- type out messages on the cell phone keypad -- while driving.
    Several studies circulated by the NSC concluded that drivers who use cell phones while driving are four times more likely to be in a crash. Another study compared drivers using cell phones and those impaired by alcohol and found that the cell phone users demonstrated slower reaction times than those with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08.
    In 2009, the NSC became the first organization to advocate a nationwide ban on all cell phone use while driving. According to its website, the council continues to push lawmakers in every state to establish the ban.
    Although cell phone technology such as texting and checking e-mail is generally associated with teens and young adults, do not overlook the impact of more distractions on the road. Drive defensively: You never know who has their cell phone out in the next lane.
    Safe driving has long been a focus of National Safety Month, but good driving habits should be observed year-round. Following key traffic laws can insulate your checkbook and save you from physical harm -- or that embarrassing four-way stop situation. §