Don’t believe everything you hear – these are five popular traffic myths debunked.
- A wider road is a safer road.
Lane sizes are typically between 10 and 12 feet. There is a common misconception that the narrower the road, the more dangerous it is to drive on. However, research has shown that cars typically drive faster in wider lanes, which essentially cancels out the “additional safety” granted by the extra space. Lower crash rates have been associated with 10-foot lanes than 12-foot lanes, and believe it or not, 10-foot lanes still move plenty of traffic, so they aren’t the reason for traffic jams either.
- Red cars are more likely to be pulled over, and/or red cars have higher insurance rates.
We’re not sure where these myths came from; we just know they aren’t true. Personal driving practices get you pulled over, and insurance rates are based on your make, model, and year of your car, personal driving history, and credit history. The car’s color has nothing to do with the reason you get pulled over or why your insurance payments are so high.
- Occasionally filling up with premium gas can make your car run more smoothly.
I’ve seen the gas prices, and I can tell you now – don’t waste your money. Your standard gas will keep your car just as effective as premium gas. When it comes to increasing your car’s performance, car engines aren’t made to take advantage of premium fuel. Premium gas won’t do anything extra for your vehicle. However, if your car requires premium gas, you shouldn’t put anything less than that in there. This could be potentially damaging to your car.
- Traffic tickets don’t transfer to other states.
They do. Well… mostly. 44 out of 50 states are a part of the Non-Resident Violator Compact, and 45 states are a part of the Driver’s License Compact. This means that they all share ticket and driver’s license data.
- Driving barefoot is illegal.
Ill-advised? Maybe. Illegal? No. Of course, there are some exceptions (in Alabama, you can’t drive motorcycles barefoot). Still, for the most part, you can take your shoes off while driving home from work, out to dinner, or back from your kid’s sports game! However, it is important to be mindful of where you put your shoes once they’re off – you don’t want your shoe to kick the brake pedal accidentally.
So, if it sounds far-fetched, it probably is. But if you find yourself headed to traffic court, contact Leslie at Craft Law Firm for your free consultation at 252-752-0297 or visit our website at craftlawoffice.com.