Alabama Traffic Safety Laws You Should Know

Alabama traffic statistics paint a grim picture: on average, there are more than 420 car crashes a day in Alabama. That equates to more than 47,650 people who are injured a year, and nearly 1,000 people who died in car crashes in 2016. Those who drive in Alabama are twice as likely to die in car crashes compared to average Americans.

Car crashes in Alabama are largely caused by preventable causes. Driving issues like tailgating, failing to yield the right of way, improper lane change and speeding are all preventable causes of car crashes. When someone's negligence causes a car crash that results in serious personal injury or death, the offending party may be liable for damages.

To avoid becoming a car crash offender, it's important to be aware of and follow all Alabama driving laws. These laws are in place to keep you and other drivers on the road safe. Following them can help you avoid an accident and protect you in case you're a party involved with a car crash.

First Thing's First: Carry Legal Driving Documentation

Only get on the road if you are licensed to drive in the United States. Proper Alabama driving documentation identifies you to police who come to the scene of a car crash. If you drive without it, you could face fines and bigger problems if you're involved in a crash.

If you're going to drive in Alabama, make sure you have:

• Valid driver's license from your home state or home country
• Driver's insurance
• International Driving Permit if you're from outside of the United States

It doesn't matter if you're coming from out of state or out of the country when you drive in Alabama. All drivers in Alabama must adhere to Alabama driving laws, detailed below.

Obey the Speed Limit

Obey all speed limit postings. On interstate highways in Alabama, the maximum speed limit is 70 miles per hour, unless otherwise marked.

Drive in the Right Lane

Using the left lane on interstate highways in Alabama is illegal unless you are using it for passing. Otherwise, long-term driving must be done in a lane other than the left lane.

Use Headlights

Your car must have two highbeam headlights that can illuminate objects at least 350 feet away. You must turn on headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. If you're driving in the rain, Alabama law requires the use of lowbeam headlights.

Contact Police After an Accident

Never leave the scene of an Alabama car crash. Contact law enforcement. If someone involved in an accident needs first aid, a capable driver involved should also call for emergency services.

Don't Drive Drunk or Transport Alcohol into Alabama

Driving while intoxicated is illegal, and drivers driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or above may be charged with driving under the influence. Bringing alcohol into Alabama when it was purchased outside of Alabama is also illegal. Don't carry it in your car if you purchased it from another state.

Don't Smoke or Transport Tobacco If You're Under the Age of 19

It's illegal for those ages 18 years old and younger to use, possess or transport tobacco or tobacco products. If you're underage and are caught smoking while driving or have cigarettes or other tobacco products in your car and are pulled over, you may face a charge.

Be Aware of Buses

If a school, church or other bus that is marked with flashing lights and stop signals stops in your vicinity, you are required by law to stop and wait until passengers get on or off. Even if you're approaching the bus from a road and are not directly behind it, you must still stop and let it proceed before crossing it.

Buckle Up

If you're riding in the front, either as the driver or a front-seat passenger, you must wear a seatbelt, according to Alabama law. Any children under the age of 15 years old must wear a seat belt wherever they are in the vehicle or be in a child safety seat, which is mandatory for children ages 4 years old and younger.

Stop at Red

Right turns after stop signs and red lights are only permitted after a driver makes a full stop and sees that the lane is clear. If a sign is posted that forbids a right turn, the driver must obey the sign.

Put Down the Phone

Texting or using one's smartphone to send an email while driving is illegal in Alabama. If you're looking at your phone and cause a car crash, the victim could claim your distracted driving negligence was the car accident cause and pursue a claim against you.

Pay Attention to Emergency Vehicles

If you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, move as far to the right as possible, and stop until the emergency vehicle passes. If a driver in Alabama is approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped and has flashing emergency lights activated, the motorist's next action will depend on how many lanes there are.

If there are four or more lanes, like on a freeway, the driver must move over at least one lane or slow down to at least 15 miles per hour below the posted speed limit if moving over is not possible. If there are two lanes, the driver must move over as far as they can without exiting the lane and slow down to at least 15 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

Follow Motorcycle Laws

If you're riding a motorcycle in Alabama, be aware of these additional laws:

• You must wear a helmet while on a motorcycle.
• You must have a passenger seat if you are carrying a passenger.
• You must have at least one mirror on the motorcycle.
• Motorcycle handlebars must be no higher than 15 inches above the seat.
• You are not allowed to pass another vehicle in the same lane.
• You are not allowed to ride between lanes.

What to Do If Someone Breaks the Law and Causes Your Car Crash

If you are following all Alabama driving laws and someone breaks the law and causes your car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Make sure to:

• Contact police and get a copy of the police report.
• Gather evidence, like witness testimony and photos of the accident and injuries.
• Get medical treatment.
• Get in touch with a Birmingham car accident attorney.

Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann offers free no-obligation car accident consultations. Contact us online or at (205) 322-8880 for information on if we can help you.