Avoid Speeding Fines

The UK roads are now monitored extensively by speed cameras. It is easier than ever before to find yourself facing a lengthy ban from driving due to speeding violations captured by these cameras. But there are ways to avoid the fines, the points on your license and the potential ban.
Why Do People SpeedThere are many reasons why people exceed speed limits. Some of the most common are:Lapses in concentration: We are all guilty of this one. Our minds wander, we are distracted by something we see or hear on the radio, we may be thinking about where we are going or something other than our driving. Before we know it we are traveling faster than the speed limit and, inevitably, this is exactly when we drive past a speed camera and get photographed.
Failure to recognize when speed limits have changed: Many UK roads have variable speed limits. Some sections may be 30mph, some 40mph and some 60mph, all on the same road. It's quite easy to drive from maybe a 40mph section into a 30mph section and not be aware that the limit has changed. These areas are often where you may find police mobile speed traps employing a hand held radar detector.
Lateness: Often cited as a cause for speeding. Rushing to get to a meeting on time or being late for work or an appointment often prompt drivers to break speed limits.
Anger and aggressive attitudes or frames of mind: These states can also cause drivers to exceed speed limits. If we take to the wheel after having had an argument, or if we are anticipating a stressful or confrontational meeting or conversation we are all more likely to drive faster than we would ordinarily do.

Empty roads, particularly at night: These can cause drivers to feel that it is perfectly safe to travel that little bit faster. While it may actually be reasonably safe to do so, as there are fewer road users and pedestrians around, the speed limits remain the same and you are still likely to get snapped by a speed camera.
Facts About SpeedingRemarkably there are around 9 deaths every single day on British roads and another 100 people are seriously injured and speed is implicated in around a third of these cases. The faster you travel the more serious any collisions are likely to be. Involvement in a speed related accident in which a person is injured or killed is psychologically very difficult to deal with and can often lead to stress and immense upset.
How to Avoid Speeding FinesAvoiding fines and points on your licence for speeding is actually quite simple. All you need to do is slow down.
If we consider each of the common causes for speeding listed above:Lapses in concentration: This can be improved by changing your driving habits and routine. When you are at the wheel your focus should be on your driving, other road users and the road ahead. To remind yourself of these factors you might try employing a technique called 'commentary driving'. This means that you provide a commentary to yourself regarding your driving actions. Doing so will ensure that your focus remains on the task at hand which is driving safely.
Failure to recognise when speed limits have changed is generally caused by poor observation, although poor road signage can also be implicated. Look out for tell-tale signs like lamp posts. Roads with lamp posts are generally 30mph or less unless there are signs to indicate otherwise. When using the commentary driving technique outlined above, ensure that you repeatedly remind yourself of the current speed limit.
Lateness and the need to reach a destination at a particular time can be easily addressed by simply leaving earlier. But this is often easier said than done. Road works and hold ups sometimes appear to conspire to make us late and stressed. If possible, pull over and telephone the people at your destination to warn them that you will be late. Remind yourself of the possible outcomes if you speed to get there on time and remember that if you have an accident at higher speeds it is likely to be far more serious than if you were travelling at the right speed.
Anger and aggression can be hard to deal with as these conditions require a certain amount of self-awareness. Playing loud, aggressive music while in an aggressive state of mind will only amplify your inclination to drive fast. Try and calm yourself down, perhaps by playing appropriately relaxing music and don't take out your aggression on your car and other road users. Using the commentary driving technique is a good way to recognise when you are feeling aggressive towards other road users.
Empty roads ahead can present a great temptation to put your foot down on the accelerator. Reminding yourself that if you do so you will inevitably meet with a speed trap around the next bend or over the next hill. Again, using the commentary driving approach you are more likely to catch your inclination to put your foot down before you actually do it.
The stopping distance when travelling at only 5 miles over the 30mph speed limit means that your stopping distance, on a dry road with a perfect car, is increased by an amazing 21 feet or 6.4 metres. This can mean the difference between life and death for a pedestrian or someone you hit. And it is worth bearing in mind that speed limits are the upper limit and often it is more safe and sensible to drive at speeds that are way below this upper limit.