1.7 Reasons for Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are the rules that govern traffic and regulate vehicles. Rules of the road are both the laws and informal rules that have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. It is vital that you strictly observe both traffic laws and the rules of the road to be a safe and defensive driver. Traffic laws provide a common understanding for all drivers on the road.

Traffic laws are enacted with safety in mind. As a driver, you should realize that these laws are there to protect you, not as a way for you to be punished. Driving is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. When you put yourself behind the steering wheel, you are taking a seat that bears a lot of responsibility for the safety of not only yourself, but also everyone around you.

Although there are times when you may feel that a higher speed on certain road or highway may be justified, this is never the case. Speed limits are established after traffic engineers and government officials have studied the roadway and traffic flow. The limits are set in order to keep drivers on that road from operating at different speeds.

What if there were NO rules or laws directing the flow of traffic?

• Intersections would be blocked with drivers trying to get through before everyone else.
• Highways would have vehicles driving at every imaginable speed, moving from one lane to another, without using a turn signal.
• Every roadway would be full of traffic collisions.