Millions of drivers violate traffic laws every day, but this issue is often exacerbated by people who are on vacation. In many cases, vacationing drivers are not even aware that they are breaking a local law, but this will not prevent them from getting a ticket. Sadly, making a mistake while you are on a road trip can lead to deathly consequences, so it is vital to ensure that you always pay close attention to the rules of the road.
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Relaxation and Vacation
Most people take a more relaxed approach to everything when they are on vacation. When you combine this with unfamiliar roads and local laws, it is easy to understand why so many vacationing drivers can end up with some hefty traffic citations or getting involved in an accident, and ruin the much anticipated vacation. Sometimes, depending on the traffic charge or involvement of an accident, a person might even need to seek the services of a knowledgeable attorney.
An important factor to remember if an attorney's assistance is needed in regards to a high charge traffic violation, DUI or an accident, is to contact an attorney local to the area of occurrence due to their knowledge of all the local and state laws. They would be the ideal choice for representation for your case. Also, another consideration is that you will need to look for the kind of attorney that is experienced representing the kind of case that you would need services for. For example, if you were involved in a serious accident in Charlotte, NC then you should seek a firm like PowMac Law Offices, a Charlotte, NC based group knowledgeable in traffic citations, DWI and injury law.
Some Common Driving Violations
To help prevent your risk of getting a ticket or causing an accident, you should always pay close attention to several key points.
1) Be Aware of the Speed Limit
Long road trips make it easy to zone out, but this can cause you to speed. Unfortunately, speeding is one of the number one causes of traffic fatalities, and it is also an easy way to get pulled over. Therefore, you need to pay close attention to speed limit signs at all times. Also, stay alert and try to pay attention to what is going on around you at all times.
2) Do Not Drive after Drinking
It is common for people to unwind when they are on vacation, but this does not mean that you should get behind the wheel after you have imbibed during a restaurant stop. In fact, you are more likely to get pulled over for a DUI in an area that you are unfamiliar with because you will not have the advantage of knowing the roads. A DUI is one charge a person should try to avoid at all times.
3) Put Your Cell Phone Away
Even if it is legal to talk on a cell phone in your hometown, this does not mean that it is legal in the area that you are traveling through. Additionally, distracted driving is becoming one of the major causes of traffic related fatalities. Therefore, you should always put your phone away when you are driving. Cell phones should only be used for emergency situations and only when pulled over in a safe location.
4) Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws
You might be used to being able to turn on red or make a U-turn; however, these practices are not legal everywhere. To protect yourself from making a simple mistake that leads to a costly traffic citation, it would be a wise decision to research local traffic laws in any city that you will be visiting.
When Should an Attorney be Contacted?
If involved in an auto accident, always seek immediate medical assistance first, including 911 if it is a life threatening emergency. Be sure to call the local law enforcement authorities and obtain a copy of the police report. Also, be sure to exchange insurance information with any other vehicles involved. If you are capable, take pictures of the area of occurrence, as well as of all vehicles involved. Then, considerations should be made to contact a local attorney to where the accident occurred. If you are just seeking legal assistance with a charge, and not an accident, then an attorney should be contacted immediately.
As long as you take the time to familiarize yourself with local laws and avoid risky behavior, you should be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about receiving a ticket or being involved in an accident. However, if something does go wrong, you can hire an attorney to assist you with your case.
About Author: Legal writer Lisa Coleman writes to remind a driver preparing for a vacation to remember several important key points about the law during their travels and to encourage legal assistance if the need arises. PowMac Law Offices, a North Carolina law group, is knowledgeable and equipped to vigorously fight for an out-of-state client with all of their driving and accident legality needs.