Common Traffic Mistakes In Michigan
When driving there are many things to keep in mind, the law of the road is long and there are many elements to know about. In this blog we will be going over common traffic law mistakes and how you can protect yourself on the road legally. Adopting the practices of defensive driving is really the only reliable way to minimize your odds of getting a speeding/traffic ticket. That and not intentionally breaking the law. If you don’t believe me just remember that the State of Michigan is willing to remove points from your record if you agree to learn about defensive driving. Here are just a few tips to help you on the road.
How To Avoid Tickets and Traffic Violations
Here are some ways you can prevent getting a traffic ticket in Michigan.
- Don’t tailgate: Always leave a safe and healthy distance between you and the car in front of you. This is also a good way to avoid speeding.
- Match the speed of traffic: This is really the only way to safely drive even a mile above the posted speed limit. If everyone in front and behind you is also doing it, chances are you won’t be the one who gets pulled over.
- Use your turn signals properly: This is just a good idea in general. The only thing worse than getting pulled over is getting into a car crash.
- Take your car into the shop when you accumulate enough miles: In other words, perform adequate maintenance. The law also requires your car meet certain mechanical standards as well. A broken taillight is just as illegal as not using a turn signal.
- Keep focused on the road ahead of you: the essence of defensive driving is anticipating sudden hazards like children crossing the road or cars slamming on the brakes.
- Mind the weather: Go slightly below the speed limit if it is raining or snowing.
- Don’t drive while stressed or exhausted: Any condition which hinders your ability to drive safely can result in a ticket or car accidents. Never get behind the wheel if your body and mind aren’t up to the task
Here are just a few mistakes made by people who are given traffic and speeding tickets:
- Refusing to fight it at all: Even if it’s just you in court making a weak argument, it can often be worthwhile to at least try to contest the ticket. The officers who hand out tickets and the equipment they use are not infallible
- Failing to even consult an attorney: While it may be true that, barring a misdemeanor/felony or the loss of your license, the penalties for a speeding/traffic ticket usually aren’t as costly as hiring a lawyer. That being said, it can be helpful to at least sit down with a defense attorney for one meeting to discuss your case, even if they never end up representing you in court.
- Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test: Under Michigan law, all people who use public roads are presumed to have consented to any and all alcohol tests administered by police offers. Refusing to comply means an automatic two points will still be added to your record. Furthermore, your refusal will be used as evidence that you actually were intoxicated at the time.
- Driving recklessly: The best way to get out of a speeding or traffic ticket is to never receive one in the first place
Make sure the officer is telling the truth
Nothing will sink a prosecutor’s case faster than proof that the arresting/charging officer actually lied about something. A good example of this might be an officer writing down the results for a breathalyzer test that was never administered. They are rarely as obvious as this example, so it would be highly advisable for defendants and their attorneys to be vigilant.Telling your side of the story doesn’t help you if the story you tell still counts as whatever infraction you have been charged with.
Conclusion
When it comes to encounters with the law, the most common cause is a traffic or speeding violation. The average person may never be arrested for any other crime, but will likely have several encounters with a traffic cop and at least one speeding or traffic ticket. Therefore it is important to understand the traffic and speeding laws of your state, as well as how to protect yourself if you find yourself at the wrong end of one.
For more information on Traffic Laws In the State of Michigan watch the video below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions.
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