With insurance, maintenance and a monthly payment, owning a vehicle can be a pretty expensive investment. You definitely don’t want to add the unnecessary expense of a speeding ticket to that list.
While A Speeder’s Guide to Avoiding Tickets
Roughly seven years ago I was driving home when I was pulled over. I’m not a terribly fast driver and was completely unaware of why I was pulled over. To be honest I thought the officer was going after someone else. After I stopped the car I did exactly as the book explained. I turned on the dome light, rolled down the window and put my hands on the steering wheel. I didn’t fumble around my car looking for my registration or insurance.
I know I did not receive a ticket because I followed the key advice of Sgt. James M. Eagan, author of A Speeder’s Guide to Avoiding Tickets. While I do think that everyone who drives should read this book, I do not agree with all of the advice that the former sergeant gives.
Reducing Fear Reduces the Chance of a Ticket
In the book, Sergent Eagan explains that when you are stopped by an officer psychology plays a major role in determining whether or not you will receive a ticket. When being stopped by an officer there are two things to remember. You need to reduce their fear and feed the ego. That’s pretty much the basic rule of thumb.
An officer’s job is dangerous. Think of all the horrible events that you read or watch on the news. Every one of those events require officers to respond. These situations are not exactly safe. Therefore, job number one is to make the officer more at ease. For all they know you could be a drug runner or have a body in the trunk.
If you jump out of your car like a raving lunatic, there is a good chance that you’ll get a ticket. If you make the officer nervous, you’ll get a ticket. The best way to make an officer not afraid of you is to keep your hands in view and ask for permission to do anything. Ask if you can get your license. Ask if you can get your registration. If you reduce an officer’s fear, your chance of receiving a ticket is reduced.
Feeding the Ego Reduces Chances of a Ticket
Aside from reducing fear, you need to feed the officer’s ego. Often you can feed the ego by doing the same things you do for reducing fear. Asking permission. Knowing whether they’re state, city or county. Also by knowing their rank and acknowledging it.
There is more to the book than just getting out of an actual speeding ticket. Sergeant Eagan gives all types of tactics on how to beat radar and when the best time to speed is ect… I’m not a fan of many of his techniques, however, the knowledge I learned about reducing an officer’s fear and feeding their ego was enough to get me out of a ticket and more than covered the cost of the book.
I would recommend that anyone who drives a vehicle read this book. Also, if you find yourself getting pulled over on a regular basis this book is a must.
The best advice I will give people to avoid a ticket is to not buy the type of car I own (Subaru Impreza). The first 3 months of having that car I had lost 5 points on my license
I’ve become a far slower driver now and haven’t had a ticket in over 6 years
Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank recently posted..30 Tips – How to Stay Safe on the Internet
Glen that’s true. Buying a flashy red jag is going to make you stand out more than a black Ford Focus that’s for sure.
Looks like an interesting book. What were some of the tactics you did not agree with? I, thankfully, have only ever gotten one speeding ticket and that was more than enough for me.
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I too learned my lesson after my first ticket.
I didn’t agree with some of his tactics. He says for women to imply that they might get a beating if they were to get a ticket. Also, he says putting bumper stickers on your car that imply you’re some type of emergency worker ect…
There were other tactics that I don’t remember, but some seemed a bit on the shady side.
I don’t even try to contest the ticket. Both times I got one, it was in a speed trap and there was really no getting out of it. I focus on protecting my rights (I don’t ever admit to speeding nor do I answer their questions of “do you know why I pulled you over?”). No reason to self-incriminate yourself.
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I protested the one I received because I didn’t want the points. I spent more time waiting for my turn than actually standing in front of the traffic judge. However, I think the insurance savings were well worth my time.
I have gotten 2 or 3 tickets in the last few years. Greg doesn’t let me drive on long trips anymore!
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If I’m going to speed, it’s definitely on long trips. It can be difficult to drive the limit if an extra 10 mph can shave off an hour or two from your drive.
“Also, if you find yourself getting pulled over on a regular basis this book is a must.” – LOL. Oh Justin, you made my morning. I’m surprised he would even write a book about it giving tips on when the best time to speed is. That’s nuts. Thanks for your review
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The whole first chapter explains why he does it. Actually I think it’s for the money. But the other points that he raises are valid. Mostly it’s because he views the whole system as a hypocrisy. He says that off duty officers speed all the time and get away with it. So he said he wants to even the playing field. Even if he is padding his pension.
I’ve always heard that playing into their ego was the key. Interesting point about the not fumbling around before they get up to your car. Hopefully I won’t have to use these tips any time soon.
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Playing up their ego and not causing them fear is key. A lot of cops go into this line of work to save people. So by feeding their ego you kind of make them feel good for “protecting the little people.”
I speed a lot less now that I’m in my 30s, but I’ve always found the best way to avoid a ticket (after being pulled over) is to be respectful and polite. If at night, turn the dome light on in the car and always put your hands on the wheel where they can see them. The officers know then that you are looking out for their best interest and are more apt to be kind to you
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I was pulled over once for speeding about 8 years ago. That was enough to get me to stop. Most don’t want to actually give you a ticket. In many cases you almost force them to by your behavior.
I haven’t gotten a ticket in years, and hope to keep it that way!!!! I try to stay in line with the traffic (unless I’m in a hurry
).
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Staying with the flow of traffic is another great way to avoid getting a ticket. Unless your car stands out, you’ll have less of a chance of getting spotted.
I received a ton of B.S. tickets because of the town I lived in (…and I mean “B.S.” like one for no turn on red–I was one of 20 people who the guy pulled over that hour–no clear sign). Because of this, I had to take a defensive driving class.
I’m so glad I did that. It was the best Saturday I’ve spent in a classroom. A state cop showed us how radar worked, how they catch speeders, why people speed, some horrible accidents that occur because of speeders, and more. While I still speed (even though that had little to do with my tickets), I am a FAR more defensive driver than I was before that class.
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