According to statistics, one person dies in road traffic every 24 seconds. This may seem frightening, but it illustrates the relevance of traffic laws. After all, they are designed to protect lives. However, some countries take road safety more seriously than others. That’s why we take a look at the strictest traffic rules in the world.
Drinking alcohol and driving can be a deadly combination. Countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania have therefore passed zero-tolerance laws. This means that any measurable consumption of alcohol leads to an immediate conviction for drink-driving.
Dominic Wyatt, an expert from the International Drivers Association (IDA), commented: “Countries with strict drink-driving laws have surprisingly fewer fatalities.”
The strictest traffic rules in the world: severe penalties for not wearing a seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory in almost all countries. However, Australia probably punishes violations with the harshest penalties. Anyone who drives without a seatbelt is liable to a fine of around 330 Australian dollars (roughly equivalent to 200 euros).
According to Dominic Wyatt from the IDA, he believes that “such rigid penalties have proven to be truly effective in reducing the number of fatalities in Australia.”
Strict action against speeding in Norway
Norway is known for its strict approach to speeding. Even exceeding 20 kilometers per hour can lead to a prison sentence of up to 18 days. The penalties increase with increasing speed.
This also applies to prison sentences. According to Wyatt, “a combination of heavy fines and potential prison sentences seems to be helping to keep speeding in check.”
The strict handling of child safety regulations in the USA
In the USA, traffic laws differ from state to state. However, when it comes to child safety in vehicles, the laws are equally strict everywhere.
Improper use of child seats, for example, is prohibited. The fines for a violation can vary. Some states impose community service or attendance at mandatory educational programs as a penalty.
The strictest traffic rules in the world: heavy penalties for smartphone driving
The UK is known for its striving traffic laws – this is especially true for the approach against the use of cell phones while driving. The fines were recently doubled to GBP 200 fine and 6 points on the driver’s license.
