A.R.S. 28-729
Driving on roadways laned for traffic
If a roadway is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent with this section apply:
1. A person shall drive a vehicle as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not move the vehicle from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.
2. On a roadway that is divided into three lanes, a person shall not drive a vehicle in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of the allocation.
3. Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every sign.
Comment: This Arizona statute provides the standard of reasonableness for certain actions like changing lanes.
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A.R.S. 28-730
Following too closely
A. The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent and shall have due regard for the speed of the vehicles on, the traffic on and the condition of the highway.
B. The driver of a motor truck or motor vehicle that is drawing another vehicle when traveling on a roadway outside of a business or residence district and that is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall leave, if conditions permit, sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space without danger. This subsection does not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicles.
C. A person who is driving a motor vehicle in a caravan or motorcade on a roadway outside of a business or residence district, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall allow sufficient space between each vehicle or combination of vehicles to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy the space without danger. This subsection does not apply to funeral processions.
Comment: Section (A) is extremely important in this statute for auto accidents. It sets up a standard for a driver to avoid rear-end collisions on the roadways. Hitting someone from behind is almost universally going to put the fault on you (at least some percentage).
A.R.S. 28-731
Driving on divided highways
If a highway is divided into two roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicular traffic, a person shall drive a vehicle only on the right-hand roadway and shall not drive a vehicle over, across or within the dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection established by public authority.
Comment: If there is something, like a barrier, separating two opposite roadways, always stick to the right. Do not cross the barrier.
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A.R.S. 28-735
Overtaking bicycles; civil penalties
A. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.
B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:
1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.
2. Death to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars.
C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable.
Comment: This statute represents, that in Arizona, that you have a duty of care to not just automobiles, but bicyclists as well.
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