If you have ever driven a car, then you have probably been stopped—or almost stopped—for speeding. Regardless if you have a lead foot or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, speeding tickets can wreck havoc on your driving record and bank account. From hefty fines to points registered against your driving record that can dramatically influence your insurance payments, speeding tickets are detrimental in all aspects.
Many speeding tickets are issued in so-called speed traps, where police officers or state troopers effectively hide their cars and lie in wait for speedy passers-by. Also, many city, state, and country roads have varying speed limits that can serve as excellent speed traps for law enforcement patrols waiting to issue speeding tickets to drivers unaware of the correct speed limit.
The best way to avoid speeding tickets is to avoid speed traps all together. There are four main tips for avoiding speed traps that should allow you to protect your wallet and your driving records from hefty fines or mars on a perfect record that can (and often will) directly affect the quality and cost of your car insurance policy.
1.) Watch your speed.
This may seem to be a no-brainer, but the first tip is straight forward: drivers that do not speed are not issued speeding tickets. Keep an eye on your speedometer or set the cruise control on long trips to avoid going over the speed limit, thus avoiding costly fines. Also, the faster your drive, the greater the stopping distance and the less control you have over your vehicle. Each year, countless car crashes could easily be avoided by not speeding.
2.) Know the speed limit.
Again, knowing the speed limit may be quite simple, but it can easily allow you to avoid speeding tickets. Quite often, speed traps are set where the limit rapidly changes or suddenly plummets, leaving unaware drivers zipping along and at risk for being pulled over for a speeding location. Keep a careful eye out for posted speed limit signs so that you are always aware of the correct speed for which your vehicle should be traveling.
3.) Do your homework.
Many websites and resources are available for individuals interested in finding speed traps in their area or along their route. This is especially crucial for individuals embarking on road trips, allowing drivers to become somewhat familiar with unknown areas. Consider visiting the World Wide Web and conducting a quick and easy search for popular websites and forums where fellow travelers converse about speed traps in their area. Some towns are so well known that motorist associations like AAA have flagged them along popular traveler’s routes.
4.) Invest in a radar detector.
For motorists who still find themselves at risk for being caught in speed traps, consider investing in a radar detector. This simple electronic device is easily installed and can immediately notify the driver when the device picks up a radar gun in the area. Once you area aware of the police officer or state patrol who has stationed themselves in a speed trap, you can quickly and easily adjust your speed and avoid a ticket. Radar detectors use traditional radio wave technology or a more advanced laser technology in order to detect radar guns that are currently in use. However, it is critical you check the legality of radar detectors in your state, since several states have determined use and even possession of such a device is illegal. If you are caught possessing or using a radar detector in these states, the fines can be a great deal larger than those fines associated with speeding tickets.
About the Author:
Mike Barus specializes in ATV's http://www.atv-tires-i.com
How to Avoid Speed Traps
