ALT-1 How to Avoid Speeding Tickets
How to get out of a speeding ticket while on vacation. Well, the first thing we must realize is that the best way to get out of a ticket is not to be the object of ticket writer's attention in the first place. As a cop for 25 years I can give a few clues on how not to receive that speeding ticket whether it be for not paying attention, trying to beat the system, of just being in such a hurry that you don't really care, but then again you don't want to pay the fine.
How about those that are not paying attention. They tend to fall into two categories: Those who are inattentive due to tiredness, background noise in the vehicle, been driving for a long period of time, maybe even just stuck in the music that is playing at the time. All of these have different, but similar problems.
However, needless to say, staying within the speed limit is always a good way to start in not getting that ticket. Wearing your seatbelt isn't such a bad idea to boot.
Tiredness. You really shouldn't go there. If you have two or more drivers, make liberal use of them. It is better for each driver to drive for a couple of hours and switch off than it is to, for instance, have one person take the first eight hours while the other is to take the second hours. Not good.
Noise within the vehicle. It is far better to have someone spend a bit of effort entertaining the little rug rats than it is to allow them to get so rambunctious that the driver is not paying attention to what's going on around the vehicle. Not only can things happen outside the vehicle that we might not be attentive to, but one there is too much excitement inside the vehicle it causes a significant amount of stress, leading to making mistakes.. Sometimes very costly mistakes.
Long drives by a single person. Hey, get a cup of coffee. Walk around the rest stops. Stop more often for fuel. Stop at a roadside attraction for a bit. And last but not least don't be afraid to spend a few hours at a motel on occasion. All are much preferable to being given that $100.00 plus traffic citation than arriving a little later than you had planned.
Same music going over and over. Try something new. Might not last a long time, but any break is better than none. I have a series of CDs that I made up that are great rock and roll titles. They very in style, tempo, musician, and all offer a different beat than the piece before. Keeps me on my toes for several hours at a time and I get to listen to music that I enjoy.
Now, when you actually get contacted by the officer. First off, sometimes Nothing, nothing, nothing is going to keep you from being issued a traffic citation. Could be the speed you were driving, or some other action you took that caught his attention. Could be that whatever he stopped you for is something he would normally not bother you about but he just had a fight with his wife and left the house frustrated. Should he do that? Nope. Is he human? Yep. Accept it.
On the other hand, being respectful, have your driver's license and vehicle registration, and insurance information ready when he approaches your vehicle is always helpful. In many parts of the country you will not make any points for getting out of the car and approaching the officer. Couple reasons for that. 1) He doesn't want to see you struck but some nut driving down the freeway. Causes him a whole lot more paperwork. 2) His safety can be very much at stake. Stay in your vehicle and let him approach you.
In summary; Drive defensively but paying attention, slowing down, remaining rested, and don't give the officer a hard time. He's just doing his job and traffic tickets, believe it or not, is not something he enjoys.
