Texas has many rules of the road that define driver responsibilities and provide guidelines on how to operate their vehicles safely throughout the state. Violating these laws can increase the likelihood of accidents and render a driver not following them liable for an accident.
Here are some of the most important driving laws in Texas that can impact your San Antonio car accident claim.
Obey the Speed Limit
All drivers must obey the posted speed limit. However, the speed limit is determined to be the safest maximum speed to travel on a particular roadway in optimal conditions. If weather or road conditions are not optimal, drivers must reduce their speed to factor in those conditions. For this reason, drivers can be cited for speeding even when driving at the posted speed limit. If you were injured by a driver who was speeding, our San Antonio speeding accident attorney can help.
Keep Right
When traveling on the interstate, the lane furthest to the right is reserved for slower-moving traffic. You should only travel in the left lane while you are passing or need to exit. You will notice signs throughout the state indicating this rule.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Motorists should follow the three-second rule to ensure a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of them. You can calculate this distance by looking at a stationary object, seeing when the driver in front of you reaches that point, and then counting to three to ensure there are at least three seconds before you reach the landmark. Having this extra time can help you avoid accidents in case of sudden stops.
It may be necessary to increase the following distance if adverse weather conditions or low visibility conditions are present.
Avoid Distractions
Texas law prohibits the use of texting while driving. However, motorists should avoid all distractions while driving, including:
- Using a cell phone
- Adjusting radio or vehicle controls
- Imputing information into a GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Daydreaming
Distractions delay responses to hazards, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Yield to Pedestrians
Motorists in Texas must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks on the same half of the road as the vehicle approaching the crosswalk. Drivers should not pass other motorists who are stopped in crosswalks. If you have been hit by a driver as a pedestrian, you need to consult our San Antonio pedestrian accident attorney for help.
Use Turn Signals
Motorists must use turn signals to indicate their intention to turn or change lanes. Drivers should activate their turn signals a few seconds before executing the driving maneuver.
Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
Texas has a move-over law for emergency vehicles. When it is safe to do so, motorists must pull over to the side of the road when they see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sirens on.
If another driver ignored one of the rules identified above and caused an accident that injured you, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. George Salinas Injury Lawyers has successfully resolved over 500 car accident cases. Let us handle your claim while you focus on your healing. Contact us today for a free case review.