Obviously, the best way to not pay a speeding ticket, is to not get one. So here are some tips to keep your money in your wallet, by avoiding speeding tickets. 1. Determine a safe speed when traveling. You should consciously choose a speed to travel at and then stick to it. The speed that you choose should feel safe to you and be safe for those sharing the road with you. You should also be aware of the road and weather conditions and the volume of traffic. It seems that most police officers will allow you to travel 7 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit on a freeway or highway. Most states have a higher level offense for traveling 15mph or over, this is where speeds become unsafe, and a ticket in this range will earn you a higher fine and higher insurance premiums. If you are traveling above 15mph, which we do not advocate, you must be very aware of potential speed traps. Consider all of the other variables that affect your driving, weather conditions, road conditions and how you are driving, because these may also determine whether or not you receive a ticket. 2. A little help - mechanical intervention Radar detectors are a bit controversial. One group of drivers would not consider getting into a car without one; others think they put you at a higher risk for a speeding ticket. Should you decide that a radar detector would be a helpful tool for you, you'll want to choose a good one. There are many web sites that review them. The Passport 8500 and the Valentine One are two frequently receive high ratings. A key feature for a good radar detector is the ability to filter out false alarms. You may also want to consider a remote radar detector. A remote detector allows you to hide the different parts of the unit. The antennae and controls are separate parts. The antennae is placed behind the grill of your vehicle and the controls can be placed in another out of site location, such as under your dash, so it cannot be seen by a patrolling police car or an officer approaching your vehicle. If you decide to use a traditional detector, you will want to mount the unit for quick and easy removal. You'll want to place the unit in front of you, without making it too obvious. If you do get pulled over, you'll want to quickly remove the detector, replace the cigarette lighter and wipe the suction cup imprints from your windshield. If you are driving in heavy traffic, you are more likely to be clocked by pacing with an unmarked car, instead of by radar. In traffic, you should remove the radar detector, as it won't help you. 3. Follow that car! - use a blocker This simple technique is one of the best. Basically, wait for a faster car to pass you, and then follow that car at a distance. The faster car in front of you is going to catch the attention of any patrol cars, before you do. You'll know to slow down, when you see the car's brake lights. Trucks and sports cars make good blockers; they seem to attract police cars more frequently. There are also some other advantages for trucks, these will come up later. 4. Keep an eye on the horizon - watch the traffic in front of you Pay close attention for a sudden flash of brake lights on the road ahead of you. For the best results, you'll need to train yourself to look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. You'll want to glace ahead frequently, especially when you are rounding a curve, passing a bridge or overpass, or cresting a hill. This is where most speed traps are, and most drivers automatically apply their brakes, when they see a police care, even if they are not speeding. This is an easy way to be more attentive to your surroundings, and it can be very effective. 5. Watch the middle - the median strip You will often see police cars looking for speeders while sitting in the space between two lanes of traffic. For scenarios like this, you will want to think like a cop. Where is a good place to sit and watch traffic? The access roads which are marked with "Authorized Vehicles Only" are another good spot. Keep an eye out for these. If you are familiar with the stretch of road, you'll want to slow down when approaching one of these spots, especially if you are not behind a blocker. Some other areas that provide a good cover for police are the crest of a hill, a bridge abutment, or a basic corner. 6. Mirror, mirror Many drivers who have been issued speeding tickets have been caught by the police coming upon them from behind. This method has become more popular as the use of unmarked police cars grown. One thing that you can do is learn to use your mirrors more. Frequent checks via your rear view mirror can alert you to suspect vehicles approaching from behind. Unmarked cars can be hard to spot, especially since every state seems to use a different type of vehicle. Some states use SUV's while others prefer sports cars, any car has the potential for being an unmarked car. Just be sure to be aware of what is around and beside you. Always take a quick look at an on-ramp. A police vehicle could be merging on the highway, right next to you. 7. Ponch and Jon Motorcycle patrols can be very hard to see, mostly because they are so much smaller than a regular police car. Your best bet with these is to be aware, use blocking and watch the traffic ahead of you. 8. Follow that car...no...that truck! Staying behind trucks and using them as blockers is a great way to avoid speeding tickets. This proves to be especially useful on the open road. Truck drivers are very skilled in avoiding speeding tickets, since their job relies on a good driving record. Many truck drivers use CB radios for warning each other from potential speed traps. When following trucks, be sure to keep some distance, they do not like to be crowded, and it's not safe. If you have a CB you can listen in for traffic tips, they are inexpensive and can be found in any electronics store, tune in to channel 19. Summary These tips are pretty basic and are mostly common sense. The key is to use them together to develop a strategy that works best for you. You'll become more aware of speed trap locations and reduce your chances of getting a speeding ticket. Ultimately, your newly developed awareness on the road will make you a safer driver.
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