No matter your driving experience or profession, understanding traffic safety is essential to avoiding traffic tickets.  Knowing and implementing these traffic safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents or receiving a traffic ticket. 

To help you navigate the Kentucky roads with caution, let's delve into ten major questions about traffic safety.

1: When Should I Yield?

Drivers must yield to pedestrians when:

• Pedestrians are at a marked or unmarked crosswalk and there is no traffic light

• Turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light

• In any situation that could threaten the pedestrian’s safety

2: How Far Away Should I Be From Other Vehicles?

If you’re too close to the vehicle, it could lead to trouble if they suddenly brake. Follow the 3 second rule - leave 3 seconds of space between your vehicle and the vehicle driving in front of you.

3: What Should Drivers Do When Approaching a Stop Sign or Traffic Light?

When encountering a stop sign or traffic light, come to a complete stop. Always yield to other vehicles or pedestrians before proceeding, ensuring safety for everyone on the road.

4: How Can Drivers Avoid Distractions While Driving?

Distracted driving can significantly contribute to accidents - and police attention. To mitigate this risk, refrain from using your phone (calling AND texting), eating, or engaging in any activity that diverts your attention from the road. Read our safety facts for more about distracted driving.

5: How Important Is Seat Belt Usage?

Buckling up is non-negotiable. Seat belts vastly reduce the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in accidents, making it crucial for every passenger's safety.

6: How Can Drivers Stay Calm in Traffic Jams or Congested Areas?

Traffic congestion can be stressful. Stay patient, avoid aggressive maneuvers, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles to ensure safety in such situations. 

7: What Precautions Should Drivers Take in Bad Weather?

Kentucky weather can be unpredictable. In inclement weather such as heavy rain or snow, reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights to enhance visibility.

8: What Are The Rules for Speed Limits?

Kentucky traffic laws define the legal maximum speed for driving on Kentucky roads. Driving over the speed limit can result in a traffic ticket, or even the suspension of your license. Fines for speeding in school zones and work zones are doubled. See Kentucky’s speed limits here.

9: How Should I Change Lanes?

Before changing lanes or turning, always use your turn signal. This alerts other drivers that you are intending to turn or move. At least 100 feet before the turn is when you should signal. Check your blind sports, use your mirrors, and make sure it’s safe to maneuver. 

10: What are Kentucky’s Rules About 4 Way Intersections?

In Kentucky, whichever vehicle reaches a four way (or three way or two way) stop has the right of way and should go first. However, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way. 

Need to Contact a Traffic Ticket Lawyer? 

Being informed about traffic safety facts isn't just about compliance - it’s about promoting responsible driving habits and avoiding traffic tickets.

If you do get a traffic ticket, you better chat with Matt. Get in touch with Matt Bunch, a traffic ticket lawyer able to represent you in Louisville, Lexington, and Fayette county. Click here for contact information and a free review/consultation. 

Learn more here about Kentucky traffic safety with this PDF from the Kentucky transportation cabinet. Stay vigilant, drive safely, and make the road a safer place for everyone.