Driving on a highway can be tedious and at times enjoyable. Maintaining the speed limit always can be challenging in the freeways. Most drivers enjoy risking by crossing the speed limits. The cat and mouse game can be disastrous for self and others. Most states have imposed photo or radar enforcement methods to control the fatal accidents of speeding. Here are some speeding myths and facts.
Myths
- I am ok at this speed: Modern cars have high maximum speed and hence drivers feel confident to drive at higher speeds on freeways. Though the cars are advanced, human errors are inevitable at high speeds and one may not control the car.
- The cops cannot catch me: Most drivers think that they can spot a police car and then can reduce the speed. In fact, the cop can trace your speed, before you can actually see the cop through the sophisticated radar enforcement methods
- I have to cut the travel time: Long journeys force drivers to increase the speed hoping that they would reach sooner. But in contrast, speeding may result in reducing the time and the car’s performance may suffer at higher speeds. Driving at the posted speed limit can take the driver in time and can improve the mileage of the car.
- I am not tired: Most drivers do not realize that they are tired and continue driving ignoring the signals. Breaking for every two hours at the rest areas and swapping the drivers may be a good idea to avoid fatigue. Having enough diet and rest in between the drives is suggested.
Speeders do agree that they undergo a lot of pressure while speeding and miss the scenic beauty on the drive. The time savings (2 1/2 hours when 65 mph posted) for a thousand mile trip at 80 miles per hour is not worth the risk and tension. Rather it is better to enjoy the drive at the posted speed while being safe for self and others.
Radar Enforcement
Speeding, drunk driving, and reckless driving are the major causes of accidents. Authorities aim to control the speeding through radar enforcement and other traffic control systems. Red light cameras have reduced the cases and helped increase the safety. Road side electronic displays notify the oncoming vehicles speed to notify the drivers. Aerial traffic enforcement is in force in highly busy states.
Radars are exclusively used for identifying the speeders. Through Doppler effect, the radars can detect the speed of the objects arriving. In heavy traffics, it may be difficult to identify the original car. Radar detectors, which detect the police radars, have been banned in many states.
Fines
Some states have doubled the fines in work zones and increased the penalties for toll violations. While many citizens criticize the photo and target radar enforcement systems as money-making methods, but the National Safety Council has seen reduced accidents due to the traffic enforcement methods.
If you are caught speeding, do not panic. Most officers are trained to the process and manage the situation in highly professional manner. Accept the citation in case you did speed. If you choose to visit the court, you are free to do. In some states, you can pay the fines online or may send the check through mail. If you do not pay the ticket or ignore the citation, your driver’s licence may be suspended!