A driving strategy has developed as a significant problem in the last few years, and has caused problems for both motorists and homeowners.
Known as rat running, this practice has gained significant attention in the past decade from lawmakers and community enforcement agencies, as residential streets have become commonly used roadways for those avoiding heavy traffic areas.
While many drivers have their own routes to avoid the heaviest traffic situations, there is a reason most drivers use major highways, and many communities have used a multitude of roadway tools to keep it that way.
Perhaps the most stringent and direct method lawmakers have used to refuse drivers from using certain streets for rat running purposes is to erect signs that ban motorists from turning onto a street at a certain time.
These signs prohibit, for instance, a right turn on to a predominately residential street during hours most associated with rush hour traffic.
As a response, drivers are forced to stay on the major highways, or may face ticketing if caught.
Another popular method to reduce heavy traffic from diverting into residential areas is to make a road a one-way street.
In this way, much of the traffic that might be tempted to cut through a side street will not do so in order to avoid breaking the law and putting themselves in danger.
Although this would seem like a great deterrent, it is not unheard of for drivers to still cut through these streets if the distance to a near exit is close by.
Finally, there are more drastic measures that can be taken up by communities.
For instance, certain areas intentionally build winding, looping streets that are difficult to navigate in order to confuse drivers.
In these instances, communities hope to perplex outsiders enough so that they will not use their residential streets.
If you want to learn more about how rat running can be potentially hazardous for drivers and pedestrians, contact a car accident attorney.