At the most basic of levels, the most obvious way to keep your insurance low and promote road safety is to drive the set speed limit, signal appropriately, and obey traffic signs at all times. However, even the most conscientious of drivers allow life situations and circumstances to steer them away from perfect driving every once in a while. Unnoticeably reaching over the speed limit, weaving in and out of traffic, or running a red light are common violations sure to capture the attention of state troopers and police officers.
When stopped by a police officer or trooper, one of two things will typically happen. The driver will either be let off with a warning or given a ticket that more often results in driving record points, a fine, and increased automobile insurance. It is conclusively up to the officer to cite the particular violation that occurred, reduce it to a lesser offense, or issue a warning. While there are no set of instructions guaranteed to net you a warning as a result of every traffic stop, following a few tips can increase your chances of receiving a warning instead of a ticket.
- Pull over quickly and keep your hands visible.
Making officers follow you for a stretch shows you were driving unaware of your surroundings while an immediate safe reaction to their sirens leaves the impression that you are an attentive driver without willful intentions of breaking the law. - Do not argue.
A disrespectful impression will do you no good in your immediate future or possible pending court appearance. Answers should be brief and non-confrontational. Those patrolling the roads understand that mistakes happen. Since the officer has full discretion in the nature of your defense and can influence your driving record, there is no need to argue. - Just apologize.
State troopers and police officers have heard it all before, and insulting their intelligence with excuses is pointless. Apologizing shows you understand you put yourself, other drivers and possible pedestrians at risk by violating a traffic law.Even if you legitimately believe the citation is unjust, apologize and assure him you’ll have your car calibrated or rectify the offense as best as you can, after all you might be seeing the officer again in court if you decide to dispute the ticket, where he or she will be a participant in deciding your judgment outcome.
If after you’ve done all you can to minimize the risk of receiving more than a warning and you are still ticketed, contact us to guide you to the appropriate defensive driving course in Texas to combat your citation and improve your driving. This is the best way to keep your Texas driving record clean after receiving a traffic ticket.
With internet based courses now available, taking Texas defensive driving online has become the norm for most ticketed drivers. Make sure that the driver safety course is state approved so that there is no risk of taking a non-sanctioned course when you turn in your certificate.
