For all of us who own cars, at some point or another, we must have found ourselves having trouble with the law for crossing a traffic rule. It can be frustrating when it happens.
There are certain traffic rules that people are fond of breaking. So, what are these common traffic violations and how do you keep yourself from them? How do you keep yourself from adding to your traffic points? Why don’t we have a look at them:
- Speeding
This has got to be one of the most frequently broken regulation. Some of us just find ourselves being pulled up for speeding without even having realized just how fast we were going.
What therefore can you do to avoid getting served with a speeding ticket? It is quite simple:
- First be very keen while driving. Watch out for speed signs and cameras. Being vigilant can save you very many times.
- Secondly, always keep an eye on your speedometer so that you ensure you do not accelerate without knowing that you have surpassed the limit.
- Lastly, if possible avoid the places that are known as hotspots for police and speed cameras.
- Tailgating Too Closely
This is another offense that can easily get you in trouble. Do not follow another vehicle with little distance between you two. If you do not realize it, this can save your life.
Tailgating a car too closely can result in an accident especially if the car ahead of you breaks suddenly and you weren’t expecting it. Therefore, create a reasonable distance between your car and the one ahead of you.
- Overtaking in A No Passing Area
Have you ever been in a rush and the vehicle ahead of you is a slow-moving truck or trailer? One just usually wants to fly especially if they are in a no passing section.
Overtaking in such a place could quickly earn you a ticket if caught. Never overtake if you cannot see the road beyond the vehicle you are passing. This could be at a bend or where the road rises and then goes down thus obstructing your vision.
- Driving While Intoxicated
Come on guys, this is one offense that we can easily avoid for like forever. Drunk driving is dangerous and we tend to be poor of judgment during such times.
Most likely you are going to be rude to the officer who stops you and you could likely earn yourself more than just a ticket for drunk driving. If you are going out to drink the best thing is to leave your car behind.
- Refusing to Stop for Pedestrians or School Buses
“Why me?” this has got to be one of the questions people ask themselves when they find themselves behind a school bus, especially if it is making what appears to you as a million stopovers.
But this rule keeps the kids from school safe. Just console yourself and imagine that it is your kids getting off. And always stop for pedestrians to avoid deadly situations where you may be the perpetrator.
- Failing to Use Your Signal Indicators
This happens a lot when drivers are changing lanes. Unsafe change of lane could easily earn you a ticket. Turning your signals on alerts other drivers of what you are about to do and prevents accidents from happening.
What to Do If Caught
There are a few things that you could to minimize your chances of getting a ticket when you are pulled over by the police. Here are a few tips:
- Relax, act confident and smile. Showing signs of uneasiness only send a message to the officer that you are aware of what you were doing.
- Never admit or deny directly when you are asked why you have been pulled over. Ask the officer a question that shows you are completely unaware of your offense without sounding rude, something like, “I’m sorry officer but I’m not really sure. If you could kindly tell me why.”
- If possible always try to see if the officer can let you go with a warning instead of a ticket.
Conclusion
It is always important to adhere to traffic rules as they are there for our own safety. So, try to avoid breaking them and drive safely.
