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Top States in the U.S with Strict Traffic Law Enforcement

Published

2 years ago

October 6, 2022

Every state in the U.S has a set of laws guiding road use that road users are expected to adhere to. These laws are there to ensure that the roads are safe for everyone. However, not all road users keep to the rules, which usually attract punishment.

“When motorists disobey traffic laws, they endanger their lives and that of other road users,” says attorney Charles Boyk . According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, states with stricter traffic law enforcement have fewer accident occurrences. Many accidents on the road can be attributed to negligence by road users, and more compliance can go a long way in safeguarding people’s lives.

States that Strictly Enforce Traffic Laws

The following States are known for the strict enforcement of traffic laws in the United States.

#1. Ohio

Ohio ranks number one in the list of states with strict enforcement of traffic laws. Notwithstanding that the state records a relatively low number of police officers, the accident rate is low, with only 31.28 percent of drivers having a previous accident record.

The state is known for its strict laws, which were passed to make the roads safer for everyone. Some of these rules include:

The seat belt law: Although operational in all the 50 states, they are more strictly enforced in Ohio. Seat belts have been said to help minimize injuries in a crash. Drivers and passengers who do not adhere to the seat belt laws are fined 30 and 20 dollars, respectively
The booster seat law: in a bid to protect children who are the most vulnerable in accidents, the booster seat law was enacted. However, Ohio mandates the use of booster seats until the child is 8 years old. Motorists who break this law pay a 75 dollar fine
Distracted driving law: the distracted driving law in Ohio is strict, with drivers outrightly banned from texting while behind the wheels
Helmet law: this law was enacted to safeguard motorcyclists and passengers. All motorcyclists and their passengers below the age of 18 are mandated to wear a helmet

#2. California

The state has several strict driving laws with a higher enforcement rate of DUI. Drivers guilty of driving under the influence will pay a fine of up to 2000 dollars. Other punishment for DUI offense includes 48 hours of jail term and a mandatory traffic education program.

The general traffic blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. However, if the law enforcement agency can prove that your driving was impaired, even if the blood alcohol limit is below 0.08 percent, you can still be charged with a DUI in California.

#3. Alaska

Most of the traffic laws in Alaska are a bit different from what is obtainable in other states and are strictly enforced. The state traffic law requires extended use of headlights in winter, while specific roads require motorists to leave their headlights on no matter the time of the year. On the other hand, motorcyclists are required to leave their headlights on at all times.

The speed limit on Alaskan roads is slower when compared with what is obtainable in other states, with drivers on the freeways required to keep the speed limit at 65 mph. Additionally, seat belt use is compulsory for all passengers, with offenders heavily fined for lack of compliance.

Also, the state law considers the use of any visual screen device while driving a primary offense. Offenders are fined heavily. Drivers above the age of 21 can transport cannabis, but the law prohibits them from using it in public or driving under its influence. Offenders may face jail terms, license withdrawal, fines, or the installation of an ignition interlock system on the vehicle.

#4. Georgia

The state of Georgia frowns at speeding and dishes out strict punishment to offenders. This led to the introduction of the super speeder ticket. This ticket specifies that drivers who exceed certain speed limits pay a 200 dollar extra after paying the usual fine for such traffic offenses. If the driver in question delays more than 120 days in making the payment, their license can be suspended.

#5. Oregon

Oregon considers speeding a serious traffic offense, with first-time offenders paying a fine of up to 300 dollars. Also, if you plan to drive while drunk in this state, you risk paying 1000 dollars and more in severe cases. Reports have shown that due to the strict enforcement of the rule on drunk driving, the number of defaulters is relatively low compared with what is obtainable in other states.

Additionally, the state is also known for its high compliance rate regarding seat belt use, with up to 96 percent of drivers and their passengers buckled up while on the road. Oregon seat belt law application is strict, with offenders paying a minimum of 65 dollars and a maximum of 250 dollars.

#6. Delaware

One of the things that Delaware is known for is its zero tolerance for speeders. This can be seen in its application of strict measures to curb speeding in the state. Drivers who accumulate up to 14 points for speeding will have their license suspended for 4 months.

Additionally, if drivers accumulate 22 points against their license, they will have their license suspended for 1 year. Getting 8 points will attract a warning letter from the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles, while the punishment for drivers who accumulate 12 points is a compulsory behavior modification driving course.

Delaware drivers who are found guilty of reckless driving for the first time are fined between 100-300 dollars, face a 10 – 30 days jail term, or both. Repeat offenders pay a fine of 300 – 1000 dollars or face a 30 – 60 days jail term.

#7. Maine

Maine is known for its strictness in enforcing laws regarding impaired driving, recklessness, and not adhering to the seat belt laws. The zero-tolerance law is also fully operational in Maine. This law empowers the state to revoke the license of any driver below the age of 21 who is found guilty of drunk driving for one year.

Bottom Line

Lack of adherence to traffic laws has dire consequences on road users. Many road users have been severely injured, while others have lost their lives because of negligence. States with stricter traffic law enforcement will witness a decline in accidents.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.