With the increase in traffic, there are an alarming number of unsafe and unlawful driving habits on Indiana’s roadways, which are often crowded with commuters, tourists, and local drivers. These actions put everyone on the road in risk and exacerbate traffic problems across the state.
Everyone on Indiana’s roads, from seasoned veterans to first-timers, should be aware of and avoid these dangerous habits. If you live in Indiana, you should immediately cease engaging in the following risky and unlawful driving practices.
1. Ignoring Stop Signs and Red Lights
Being discourteous to other vehicles by disregarding stop signs and red lights is not only against the law but also extremely risky. More than 70,000 accidents involving disobedience to traffic signs and signals occurred in Indiana in 2021, with many victims suffering serious injuries or losing their lives. Disregarding traffic control devices raises the probability of a collision, particularly in high-risk crossings.
Never ignore a red light or stop sign; doing so is the law and will keep you safe. In the event that the light is yellow, it is always safer to reduce your speed and wait for the light to turn green. The repercussions of this seemingly insignificant error could change the course of your life forever.
2. Keeping Up With the Leader
Too often, drivers put themselves and others in danger by tailgating, or following other cars too closely. In Indiana, rear-end incidents are more likely when drivers are following too closely, particularly in bad weather or when traffic is unpredictable.
Give yourself enough of room to manoeuvre in the event that the vehicle ahead of you makes an abrupt stop by keeping a safe following distance, which is one car length for every ten miles per hour that you’re traveling. Tailgating is risky for you, but it’s also stressful for other drivers and makes the road less safe for everyone.
3. Using a Cell Phone While Driving
Operating a Mobile Phone Distracted driving is a major problem in Indiana, with the most common forms of distraction being chatting on a cell phone or texting while behind the wheel. Texting while driving is illegal in Indiana, and there are several scenarios where you need a hands-free device to make a call.
Driving while texting or logged onto social media poses serious risks. Serious accidents can happen if you look away from the road for even a second. Always pull over to a safe area before answering the phone or sending a text while driving. Your safety must take precedence over your message.
4. Operating a motor vehicle when impaired
In addition to being against the law in Indiana, driving while intoxicated is extremely risky for everyone on the road. Impairment can happen at lower levels than the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08% in Indiana. Drunk drivers are more likely to cause accidents because they have slower reaction times, poorer judgment, and less coordination.
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You should never operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or medications, whether they be recreational or prescribed. Make sure you get where you’re going safely by arranging for a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a ride-sharing service. Fines, license suspension, and even jail time are part of the harsh consequences for driving under the influence in Indiana.
5. Making a U-turn Without Igniting
Drivers sometimes cause frustration and even accidents by not signaling while changing lanes. Not using turn signals is against Indiana law, even if it may appear to be a minor infraction. To avoid misunderstandings and accidents, signaling is a must-have for communicating your intentions to other drivers.
Signal before changing lanes, merging, or making a turn. Doing this little thing keeps everyone on the lookout for you and can greatly lessen the likelihood of an accident.
6. Racing Through Work Areas
Driving too fast through work zones is not only against the law but also quite risky in Indiana, where there are numerous active construction projects. Speeding increases the risk of injury to both workers and drivers in these zones because workers are frequently only feet away from moving cars.
Speeding in Indiana construction zones carries a much heavier fine, in addition to other serious penalties including license points and increased fines. In construction zones, drivers must reduce their speed to comply with the set limitations. Everyone is better protected because of your prudence.
7. Disregarding Pedestrians
Never fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks; drivers frequently fail to prioritize pedestrian safety. Many cars disregard the Indiana legislation that states they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, endangering the lives of those innocent people.
Crosswalks should always be considered, and pedestrians should always be given the right of way. Pay extra attention in very populated regions or close to schools, as there is a lot of foot traffic. Keep in mind that pedestrians lack the security provided by vehicles, and that the disastrous outcomes that could result from failing to yield could be devastating.
If drivers in Indiana choose to be cautious and obey the law, the roads will be great for everyone. Everyone on the road—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians—will benefit from your efforts to eradicate these risky and unlawful driving practices.
Maintain complete concentration at all times, obey all traffic regulations, and be courteous to other drivers. Let’s join forces to make driving in Indiana safer for all drivers and passengers.
