Oct 19, 2019 | Driving, Traffic Ticket
No one gets in the car in the morning and says “I hope I get a ticket today”. Unfortunately, just because you don’t want a ticket, doesn’t mean you won’t get one. Mistakes happen and sometimes you’re in the perfect place for an officer to see your mistake. This is okay, as it happens to most of us at some point in our lives. If you’ve found yourself with a traffic court day that you’ve been subpoenaed to, here’s what you can expect…
Traffic Court Day: What to Expect
Going In…
Just getting in to most court houses is a big deal. Some will confiscate your phones if you attempt to bring them in. Others allow them. Since phones can be a distraction and a nuisance, it might be best to leave yours in the car or at home. Make sure you arrive on time on your scheduled traffic court day.
Also, remember that you will not be the only one in court. Since the procedures for traffic court are routine, they will happen very quickly and other cases are waiting as well. Usually, you will be sworn in as a group on traffic court day.
The State Vs. You
When it’s your turn on traffic court day, the clerk will call your name. Once you hear your name, go to the witness box or the table. Since some courts are a little smaller, sometimes there’s just a table for traffic court instead of a “box”. It’s less intimidating this way. Once you’re there, follow the requests of the judge and the officers. Answer politely and respectfully. Remember not to interrupt anyone and wait for your turn to speak.
Things to Remember
It’s always important to dress the part on traffic court day. This goes for any court, really. This shows respect for the court and the judge. It’s best to take time and prepare for the day. Bring all necessary documents or evidence, and have it ready. Also keep in mind that if the issuing officer fails to show up to court, it does not necessarily mean that there judge will dismiss your case. Additionally, officers are usually trusted by the courts, so it’s best to not bad mouth them within the courtroom.
Oct 12, 2019 | Driver Safety, Driving
We all can use fuel conservation tips to help when it comes to driving. You might be living off campus now, the kids are in school, and let’s face it— you might be looking to take an extra drive through those newly Fall-colored mountains. However, you might be looking for ways to keep those fuel costs to a minimum while still enjoying yourself
Fuel Conservation Tips: Saving Your Savings
Carpool
If you and the neighbors have children attending the same day camps, try alternating days in a carpool. Similarly, you could suggest dropping them off if they pick the kids up. Carpooling works for all sorts of activities. You can also utilize carpooling for work and social events for additional fuel conservation.
Make a Single Trip
If you can, try to run all of your errands in one trip. For ideal fuel conservation, try to run them on your way home from work since you’ll already be out. If you can, park in one spot and walk to each place you need to get things. Turning the engine on and off for short spurts of time can begin to reduce your gas. Don’t use your trunk to store your belongings for too long, though! A heavier car will use more fuel.
Maintain Your Vehicle
With clean air filters and recommended tire pressure, your fuel conservation will add up. Dirty filters and low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy. Keeping your gas tank at a quarter full will aid in getting the most out of your gas. In addition to maintaining your vehicle, you should drive with more anticipation.
Stopping and accelerating with force will reduce your fuel conservation. Accelerate gradually and stop slowly. Driving the speed limit will also help save your gas! You should warm your vehicle too, but not for too long. Long warm ups are a waste of gas.
If Possible…
It’s not possible for everyone to get a smaller, lighter car. However, if it is for you, try to get a smaller car for long trips. Even day to day, a smaller car will save you money. If you can work from home, try to do that to reach your goal of fuel conservation.
Jun 14, 2019 | Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Truck driving in the summer can already be difficult thanks to the hotter temperatures. Throw in the extra summer traffic, and it can become nearly unbearable. Since a trucker has to drive so often, this traffic can be a major inconvenience. However, there are still some ways for you to handle and survive this kind of traffic…
Summer Traffic: How To Handle It
Schedule properly
It’s important to schedule your drive properly in order to avoid as much summer traffic as you can. While this traffic can be inconsistent, there are some times which will be less likely to have a lot of traffic. For example, driving very early or late at night can help minimize the traffic you encounter.
The days you drive on also can be important. It’s a good idea to avoid driving on the weekends, as that’s when most people will be leaving for trips. Also, you can plan on taking breaks when traffic might be high. That way, you can avoid rush hour traffic while giving yourself time to eat or rest.
Practice defensive driving
Defensive driving is a good way to keep safe on the road. However, when dealing with summer traffic, it becomes especially effective. During the summer, you might have to deal with more carefree drivers, or lost tourists who don’t know which way they’re going. That means you’ll want to make sure you keep yourself safe and avoid any accidents.
It helps to always be looking ahead for any possible hazards while driving. Keep an eye out for any drivers who appear to be dangerous, like ones who are swerving, speeding, or aren’t paying attention. That way, you can give them plenty of distance. The more you’re able to avoid these drivers, the less stressful your trip will be.
Be prepared
Still, even if you’re as careful as you can be, there will be some times where you get caught in summer traffic. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for when that happens. For example, it helps to bring some extra food and water for those long traffic jams. An emergency kit is also useful in case your truck experiences problems while in traffic.
Remember to bring some things that’ll help shield you from the sun. This can mean packing some sunblock, sunglasses, and some hats as well. Sitting in traffic with the summer sun blaring down can cause you to get sunburn if you’re not careful.
May 16, 2019 | Accident prevention, Driving
Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate the sacrifices made by the men and women of our U.S. military. Additionally, for many, it is also an excuse to eat, drink, and be merry with those we hold close. For most of you partygoers, there will be a designated driver, or ride-sharing service in order to get you back home.
While we commend your safe and smart choices, it’s also worth noting that the roads can be quite unsafe, even for the most sober and safe drivers out there. So, as a precaution, we are offering a few driving tips to help keep you safe, alert, and free from issue as you head back to your house after the annual Memorial Day weekend celebration.
Memorial Day Weekend: Driving Safety
Allow for extra travel time
The best thing you can do to keep yourself from getting into an accident, is to avoid rushing to your destination. Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest times of year to be on the roads. Obviously, there is no way to avoid someone having to drive— so make sure you task every possible precaution when you’re doing so. Leave ten minutes earlier than you need to and take your time…
Cell phone down, eyes up
As we have mentioned, you need to give the road your full attention. Expect for drivers and road conditions to be unpredictable. Furthermore, expect there to be more police than usual out on the roadside during Memorial Day weekend. After all, they’re more than aware of how common drunk driving is during the holidays. In many states, ours included, texting and driving is punishable by law. So, for plenty of reasons, keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Don’t drive drowsy
We already know that you aren’t driving drunk, however, driving drowsy can be nearly as dangerous. While you aren’t under the influence of alcohol, you are distracted and tired. If you find that the end of the night is nearing and you’re beginning to doze off— consider taking a quick snooze before you hit the road. Or, drink a cup of coffee or an energy drink to help you make it home safely. While you might not want to stay up all night as a result, you need to make sure you aren’t falling asleep at the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.
Jan 2, 2019 | drinking, Driving
Driving is something we mostly all do on a daily basis. Furthermore, most of us are aware that there are certain things we could do to become better, and smarter drivers. When considering your New Year’s resolutions, you might consider making some in terms of your driving— and even riding. While we drive all the time, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re good at it. So, let’s think about ways we can improve…
New Year’s Resolutions: Driving Smarter and Safer
Back seat driving
While this New Year’s resolution doesn’t directly apply to something you do while driving, it’s definitely something that can make a big difference for those you frequently travel with. Something to consider if you know that you are, or even have been called, a backseat driver— is how productive your advice really is.
There’s a certain line between making the driver aware of impending danger— such as a red light, or someone speeding through the intersection. However, giving random directions, pointing in their face, or making unnecessary suggestions often does more harm than good. In fact, it could even cause an accident.
Cell Phone Use
It’s actually quite surprising how many drivers continue to use their cell phones when driving— especially given the new, strict laws that prohibit it. Distracted driving in any capacity is quite dangerous for other drivers, and yourself too. There are many statistics that go to show how dangerous being on your phone while driving can be— similarly as dangerous as drunk driving. If you find yourself spending too much time on your phone, especially when behind the wheel— making that your New Year’s resolution might be a positive change worth making.
Drunk Driving
Furthermore, and just as important a New Year’s resolution as using your cell phone, is drunk driving. Drunk driving is a dangerous, reckless, and sometimes fatal decision to make. While you might do it regularly, and avoid police or accident, there’s no saying when that luck might run out. Therefore, turning the tide for yourself might be the difference between hurting yourself, someone else, or getting a DUI.
Becoming More Aware
Lastly, and a strong one to consider, is getting becoming more aware of your surroundings. Many of us function by using a GPS on a daily basis. Maybe you know your direct area, but not much more than that. Therefore, when the GPS dies, you might find yourself stranded. Consider taking a few hours on your next weekend off, and driving around your city. Get familiar, and become a better driver in the process. Being better aware of your surroundings is one of the best New Year’s Resolutions you can make…
Oct 12, 2018 | Car Accidents, Driving, Traffic Ticket
If you live in North or South Carolina, chances are you’ve heard of reckless driving before. Maybe you have a friends who has a charge of reckless driving, maybe you have, or you’ve just heard it on the news. No matter your relationship to the term, it’s important that drivers understand what this charge is, and how to avoid it.
Reckless Driving in NC: Understanding the Law
In North Carolina, there is a statute for reckless driving. Under the statute, reckless driving charges can be made when… (in words that are easier to understand):
- Someone driving on a highway, or ‘public vehicular area’ (PVA) with disregard and a lack of care towards the rights and safety of others.
- Driving in a PVA without caution, and at a speed that endangers others, or the proper of others.
If you are driving a commercial vehicle that needs permitting to be on the highway, the driver is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor in these cases:
- Driving carelessly, or in disregard of the rights and safety of others.
- Without caution, or in a manner that could endanger others or their property.
In short…
Someone may face conviction for reckless driving if they’re driving with neglect towards others, or their property. Reckless driving is typical when you’re traveling at high speed, and can often be cited like a speeding ticket. Of course, this applies to your every day passenger car drivers. But, when it comes to a commercial vehicle? The issue becomes a bit more serious. After all, your vehicle has the potential to cause a lot more damage.
A piece of terminology used in these statutes is: ‘willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others’. The court understands that not every single instance of speeding has this. In most cases, it comes down to an inquiry into the facts of the case, and whether you meet certain standards.
Finally, to avoid this type of ticket, it mostly comes down to making sure that you observe the speed limits, drive with caution, and do your part to keep the roadway safe. Most people will speed at some point in their adult life, that’s just common sense. However, reckless driving can be particularly damaging to your driving record, and the wellbeing of yourself and others.
