this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2023
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How is it even possible/practical to obey traffic laws? (lemmies.world)
submitted 1 year ago by Ocelot@lemmies.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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I'm talking specifically about obeying the speed limit, doing a full stop at stop signs, etc. After receiving a speeding ticket for doing 53 in a 50, As an experiment I went a full day obeying all traffic laws 100% and it caused so much road rage. For example, there is a 2 lane road near me with a speed limit of 50 (where I got the ticket), traffic usually moves at about 60/65. There was a huge line of cars behind me and nowhere to pull over. As soon as an opening came up on the shoulder I was about to pull over and one of the cars behind me blew past me on the on the right blaring their horn. Then another truck passed me at the next opportunity and brake checked me. Both of these cars proceeded to run a red light about 1/4 mile ahead of me endangering others. By far the worst part of driving on this 2 lane road was the 25 mph work zone which is completely ignored by everyone else. It effectively resulted in me doing 25 mph in a "60" which is very dangerous.

Having needed to spend the entire day pulling over at every opportunity to let people pass I inevitably picked up a drill bit and got a flat tire.

Even matters as simple as stopping completely at a stop sign for 1 second cause immediate anger and dangerous behavior from other drivers.

What on earth are we expected to do? All I want is to avoid speeding tickets and drive safely.

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[–] morrowind@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm not sure where you live, but in many places if the speed of traffic is faster than the speed limit, you're expected to follow that, if you can do so safely, because driving slowly causes the reckless behavior you mentioned and can actually be more dangerous

[–] Ocelot@lemmies.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm in the US, California specifically. I actually thought this was true here but I can't find any state law where the "limit" in speed limit is not a hard limit. You can get a ticket for doing 11 mph in a 10mph zone, but the only leeway is a 10% suggestion given to police officers to allow for speedometer calibration. It will likely get thrown out in court but they can still ticket you for it.

[–] morrowind@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

In California it's mainly based on section 22350:

No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

From the handbook:

Regardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should depend on:

  • The number of vehicles on the road.
  • The speed of other vehicles on the road.
  • The road surface: smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow.
  • Bicyclists or pedestrians on or crossing the road.
  • Weather: rain, fog, snow, wind, or dust.
  • Traffic congestion: small changes in your driving habits can help reduce congestion. Avoid weaving in and out of freeway lanes.
[–] Ocelot@lemmies.world 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

True but this only applies up to the posted speed limit. You are never under any circumstances allowed to exceed the posted limit per 22348: https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-22348/

What you posted means you are not allowed to drive faster than is safe for the road conditions. 65mph in a 65 is too fast if there is dense fog for example.

β€œIts OK to speed if everyone else is doing it” is not part of any law or in any handbook.

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