Whyisit calledthe shoulder of the road

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The laws for using a shoulder vary in each state, but it is illegal in all states to use the shoulder to bypass traffic or to pass another driver.  If a driver has no other choice but to use the right shoulder, they may do so if it is safe and reasonable:

There are exceptions when passing on the shoulder, especially if you must do so on the left shoulder rather than the right.   It is generally safer to use the shoulder on the right, but you could use the left side in a few instances:

What is the shoulder of the roadused for

Driving on the shoulder solely to pass others or bypass traffic is illegal in every state. Unfortunately, there are those that ignorantly decide to do so, which puts themselves and others at risk in danger.  Although there are a few exceptions to driving on the shoulder, it is rarely recommended and should only be used in emergency situations.

As if driving on the highway was not challenging enough, there are some motorists who drive illegally and negligently, making it more dangerous for the rest of us.  Driving on the shoulder is one such maneuver that is not only illegal, but also is extremely dangerous in some circumstances.  Yet, to get ahead of traffic, many people decide to pass on the shoulder, risking the chance of a car accident.

Road shoulderwidth

Driving on the shoulder to pass others is illegal.  If you have been injured in an accident because of a negligent driver on the shoulder, you may be entitled to compensation.  Reach out to the Alexandria car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King.  Our skilled and experienced legal team can help you get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we work with clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.

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If you are involved in an accident because of someone negligently driving on the shoulder, you likely would have suffered a serious personal injury or worse.  That is how dangerous driving on the shoulder can be; in fact, AAA estimates about 600 fatalities per year are due to people illegally driving on the shoulder.  If you get into an accident, remember to do the following:

Typesof roadshoulders

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When a driver selfishly chooses to drive on the shoulder to pass slower traffic, it puts themselves and other drivers in danger.  The shoulder is meant for emergency use only, yet there are inconsiderate drivers who choose to break the law. AAA found that 12 percent of highway deaths occur on the shoulder every year.  Sadly, these accidents and deaths are completely preventable.  Some of the dangers when driving illegally on the highway shoulder include the following: