We all have "rules" (or laws) that we think don't apply to US.  It's just human nature.  Traffic laws seem to be one area where people take a lot of liberties in the "this doesn't apply to me" kind of thinking.

Almost every time we go out for my dr. appts, there is at least 1 if not more accidents.   When you are driving a big, heavy piece of metal, it's not the time to decide the rules don't apply.

Wait?  You mean right on red doesn't mean you can just whip that bad boy around the corner?  Shocked!  Shocked! I say.  

Not that long ago I had a 'discussion' with a coworker about a very busy intersection we both go through near where we live.  It's an intersection (actually a series of them) I try to avoid at certain times or days.  A right turn lane that begins the lane on the road you are turning onto.  It has no light for it.  No stop sign.  And no yield.  This right turn lane connects with a lane that comes off the interstate.  She is of the opinion that you automatically have right away over everyone.  Because, hey! No light or signage.  I told her, I stop when there are cars coming from the west and turning from the opposite side.  Why?  Because the second folks turn that corner heading east they start changing lanes.  I prefer not to be hit.  But bottom line, while I know there are not lights or signs, I really don't want to have to explain to an officer after being involved in an accident right there that I failed to stop.  

Didn't you know that traffic rules exist purely for revenue collection? </sarcasm>

We aren't allowed to (I don't think) turn on a red light. There must be a green turning arrow or you're shit outta luck. Sometimes people still do it. Then the govt spends tax money on developing and placing/maintaining red light cameras. Those don't come that cheap. Couldn't the money be better spent on education or trying to eradicate poverty? Sure, except there are idiot lawbreakers who don't take time to think about the larger consequences of their actions.

I do have to say though it is sometimes hard to not break the traffic laws. When I get on my trusty bike and go around town there are some nice seeming people who like stopping and letting you through intersections when you're meant to give way. They sometimes even do it when you are already waiting for them to go through. What are you meant to do? Stay stopped and wait forever? Go and risk a fine if a cop comes around the corner for failing to give way? Some drivers make it harder for others to follow the rules.

Don't even get me started on people using their cellphones while driving because it is inconvenient for them to silence them first or something (there is a thread here somewhere if you are interested in adding your )

I do have to say sometimes they could make it easier for people to obey the rules. I visited a town once where they had different coloring in the footpaths when they were across people's driveways. That way you knew where you couldn't park without having to be constantly double checking to see if someone had a not-so-obvious garage or something. One thing I personally would love to see happen is some sort of marking on the footpath to let me know when I've passed the magic x feet from the pedestrian crossing so I can legally cross the road without jaywalking. I suck at judging distances. I thought I jaywalked yesterday, It was somewhat unintentional; I was avoiding an illegally parked truck, which turned into two, and it ended up safer to cross the road than stay on it. Apparently I was over twice the distance needed from the crossing (according to googlemaps). I would never have guessed.

And sometimes people who break the rules are just a bit ignorant and not thinking things through enough. They're looking for the easiest, fastest or most convenient way to do things.  It would be wise for people to brush up on the rules of things every now and then just to make sure they aren't being ignorant idiots.

13 minutes ago, OnceUponATime said:

And sometimes people who break the rules are just a bit ignorant and not thinking things through enough. They're looking for the easiest, fastest or most convenient way to do things.  It would be wise for people to brush up on the rules of things every now and then just to make sure they aren't being ignorant idiots.

 Truer words have never been spoken.