Your Guide to Driving in a Roundabout
Driving in a roundabout can be confusing and sometimes dangerous if you aren't aware of the proper protocols. Read our guide.
Read more about Your Guide to Driving in a RoundaboutLearning to drive and getting a license are rites of passage that many of us anticipate from a young age. But one no one looks forward to something that often goes along with it—getting a speeding ticket.
There’s no doubt that the first time you’re pulled over and cited for speeding is a stressful situation. It can also be costly, financially. Here are some helpful tips on handling your first speeding ticket appropriately.
Actions have consequences, especially on the road. Exceeding the speed limit can be dangerous and should be avoided. But if you are cited for speeding, the best thing you can do is be prepared for what comes next. The two main things a ticket can impact are your driving record and your auto insurance.
You may find yourself asking, “I got a speeding ticket now what?” Once the ticket has been issued, you have options for dealing with it. These include paying the ticket, contesting the ticket, and exploring mitigation through actions like taking a defensive driving course.
Of course, the best-case scenario is to avoid getting a speeding ticket in the first place. Remember that you’re in control behind the wheel. These tips can help you prevent future citations.
Texting, talking on your phone, eating, fixing your hair and applying makeup are all things that can take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. These distractions can lead to you losing focus and staying within the posted speed limit.
To avoid Googling “first speeding ticket what do I do?”, try not to put yourself in a situation where you’ll feel compelled to speed. Leave with plenty of time to get where you’re going, so there’s no need to hurry.
Often the speed limit can change on different stretches of the same road. Don’t rely solely on surrounding drivers or the flow of traffic to indicate this. Stay alert, take note of the posted limits and adjust your speed accordingly.
Know your own limits. If you’re tired, angry or upset, it’s best not to get behind the wheel at all. Find another driver or other means of transportation, or just wait it out.
Just don’t do it, ever.
This should go without saying, but it can be easy to slip into a state of mental autopilot and pick up speed without noticing. Get in the habit of glancing at your speedometer periodically to make sure you’re driving at an appropriate speed.
The best way to prevent speeding tickets is to practice safe driving. Did you know that you can get car insurance discounts for safe driving? Find out more about the safe driver discount from Nationwide.
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