by Patrick Sills

Created on: April 23, 2010

Speeding tickets are no fun, are they? Not only are they costly, but they place an individual one step closer to losing that driver’s license. And then, at the very least, your auto insurance premiums will increase. In the worst-case scenario, your insurance company could drop you! It thus becomes obvious that we as drivers should avoid getting speeding tickets in the first place. So how can we do that?

The logical answer to this question shouldn’t require much forethought., and it’s quite simple. Don’t exceed posted speed limits! Well, that’s easier said than done. Most of us will probably agree that many posted speed limits are ridiculously slow. For those of you over 40 or so, remember when we had to drive 55 mph on 4-lane Interstate highways? Let’s be honest here: These types of roads were built for safe driving at high speeds, for there are no cross-roads that intersect them, nor do you have to worry about oncoming traffic. Truth be told, there is no reason that we shouldn’t be able to cruise at about 80-90 mph on these types of highways; provided the road conditions are optimal. During the time drivers in the United States were forced to put up with this snail’s pace, many concurred with this sentiment. Sales of radar detectors and CB radios went through the roof. Not even Aunt Myrtle in her Buick Roadmaster station wagon complied with the “Double-Nickel,” as it was dubbed.

Thankfully, President Ronald Reagan gave individual states the power to set highway speed limits, and in all but a few places, we can now drive faster. Nevertheless, most of us still have a difficult time maintaining speed limits; especially when they are set too low; regardless of location. So, besides using radar detectors and/or CB radios, here are some other tips to avoid being cited for speeding.

Unfortunate as it may be, stereotypes still exist, and people are often judged by their appearance; especially to police officers. If you are a male, have long hair, tattoos, and/or body piercings, your chances of getting a ticket are virtually guaranteed. On the other hand, if you are clean-cut and with your family; especially if children are present, you’ll much more likely get off with a verbal warning.

Don’t try to justify your speed with some lame excuse. Cops have heard them all, and it won’t work.This will in fact increase the odds of getting a ticket. Address the officer as “Sir” or

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