No matter if you are driving to the store or on the interstate on the way to a weekend getaway it is important to obey all state traffic laws. Not only will it keep you legal it will also help keep you safe and free of injury.
The 2011/2012 Annual Report of the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security states that the Tennessee Highway Patrol issued 340,575 citations (including DUI,Seat Belt Violations, and Speeding Trucks) during the Fiscal Year of 2011-2012. They also investigated 27,454 crashes during this same time. These stats only include the Tennessee Highway Patrol so the number only grows larger when you include local statistics as well. Read below to help make sure you are compliant with TN state driving laws and to aid in avoiding a car accident.
Important Tennessee State Driving Laws
A big part of staying safe while driving is obeying traffic laws at all times.Breaking the driving laws could cost you financially too. Here are a few laws to be aware of:
Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
Tennessee has a move over law (TCA 55-8-132) that requires vehicles to move into the lane away from law enforcement and emergency vehicles, whenever possible. If you can not move over you are required to slow down and put as much room as possible between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle and its operators. This is for the safety of all parties.
Safety Belts
Always wear your seat belt Not only is it the safe thing to do it is also required by Law. Drivers in the state of Tennessee are required to wear safety belts while operating a motor vehicle in Tennessee (TCA 55-9-603).
Child Restraints
Just as you are required to wear a safety belt so are all child passengers through the age of eight required to be in child restraint devices (TCA 55-9-602). The specifics of the law vary depending on the child’s age and weight so be sure that you are in compliance of the law.
Texting While Driving
Texting while driving a vehicle in the state of Tennessee is illegal (TCA 55-8-199) so avoid it while driving to keep your self and others safe. If you must text pull into a parking lot and put your vehicle into park before texting.
Driving under the Influence
It is never safe to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol but it is also illegal (TCA 55-10-401 and 55-10-403). The Tennessee Highway Patrol alone had 5,428 DUI Arrests from the fiscal year of 2011-2012. According to the law individuals are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .08%.
In the Event of an Auto Accident
Immediately contact emergency services if anyone is injured and local law enforcement or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (*847). Also remember to call your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you are involved in a traffic accident that results in personal injury make sure you have a plan in place and be sure to hire a lawyer to protect your rights.
