Legal Advice Columns
The following articles are reprints of Van O'Steen legal advice columns which appeared in The Arizona Republic and other newspapers across Arizona.
Arizona Traffic Law
Arizona Traffic Laws
Van O'Steen
It is irritating to see people violate traffic laws, especially because of the potential for injury. It suggests a serious disregard for the safety of others. Most of us are familiar with traffic laws, but here are a few that you may have forgotten.
Caution Plays Role in Pedestrian's Right to Cross City Streets, Avoid Injury
Van O'Steen
Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians do not always have the right of way when crossing streets. Generally, a pedestrian’s right of way is limited to proper crossings within crosswalks. To be proper, a crossing at an intersection with traffic control signals means a pedestrian must obey the signals. Being within a crosswalk does not excuse a violation of the signal.
State Law Takes Turns Seriously
Van O'Steen
If you drive a car or motorcycle, you are required to know the rules of the road regarding the operation of motor vehicles. Because most of us become rusty between driver's license renewal exams, here is a refresher course on one important aspect of Arizona's driving laws, turns.
Unlicensed Doesn't Mean Unsafe driver or Accident Liability
Van O'Steen
I am occasionally asked what happens when you are involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault, but you are driving with an expired driver’s license. Does the fact that you were driving without a valid license remove the responsibility of the driver who was at fault in the car accident?
Road Rules Usually Cover Small Cycles, Reduce Injury
Van O'Steen
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the sale of mopeds, motor scooters, all-terrain cycles, pedal bicycles with helper motors and similar small two- and three-wheel vehicles. Our need for fuel economy and our interest in recreation largely explain the popularity of the small motorized vehicles.
Never Wrong and Usually Safe: Yield to the Vehicle on the Right
Van O'Steen
An uncontrolled intersection is one with no traffic lights, stop signs or yield signs. These are common in residential neighborhoods. It is apparent that many drivers either do not understand or do not respect the rule regarding right of way at these intersections.
Letting Kids Drive Exposes Parents to Claims for Injuries from Car Accidents
Van O'Steen
Cars can be dangerous objects. When a few thousand pounds of metal is propelled down streets and highways at relatively high rates of speed, the potential for damage and injury is enormous. The Arizona Legislature recognized this fact when it enacted our mandatory auto insurance law.
Cutting Across Private Property to Avoid Traffic Is Against the Law
Van O'Steen
There are some reasonably obscure traffic laws on the books. Most people learn about them only after they or others they know are cited for a violation.
Vehicle on Right Usually Has Right of Way
Van O'Steen
Many drivers either do not know or simply do not respect one of our most important traffic safety laws. I see violations almost daily, You probably do also, if you drive through residential neighborhoods.
State Law Lets Drivers Pass on RIght Under Certain Conditions
Van O'Steen
I remember as a young driver being told that it always was improper to pass another car on the right unless there were two marked lanes in the same direction. As far as I can tell, this never was the law in Arizona. It appears to be a popular long-standing myth regarding our traffic-control laws.
Slowpoke Car Drivers Can Get a Nudge from the Law in Arizona
Van O'Steen
No driver needs to be told that driving too fast is a violation of the law. Citations for excessive speed are the most common traffic tickets issued by Arizona law enforcement officers.
Traffic Laws Protect School Kids from Injury
Van O'Steen
It should be no surprise to anyone that drivers are required to exercise special care near school zones and school buses. Children often act unpredictably and without regard for their own safety. This can result in a serious injury. For this reason, Arizona traffic laws impose pose special duties on drivers when they are near school crossings and school buses that are stopped.
Know Law: Avoid Car Accidents, Injuries
Van O'Steen
Imagine yourself in a position in which you probably have been on hundreds of occasions. You are driving your car, stopped at a stop sign, while waiting to make a right turn. The street you will turn onto has two lanes of traffic heading in the direction you wish to go.
Parent Liable for Teen Driver's Acts, INcluding Car Accident Injuries
Van O'Steen
Although a 16-year-old legally may obtain a driver’s license with the cooperation of parents or guardians, he or she is not yet an adult. This raises serious questions about the minor’s ability to be financially responsible for automobile accidents he or she causes.
Emergency Vehicles Have the Right of Way in Arizona
Van O'Steen
Drivers react in various ways to fire engines, ambulances and other emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens on. Some drivers pull off the road. Others steer to the right side of the road and slow or stop. Some drivers stop and remain where they are in the roadway, while a few continue to drive as if conditions were normal. These drivers place others at increased risk of an injury accident.
Legal Advice Columns
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