At Legal Action, we understand how frustrating traffic tickets can be and we want to ease your worries by providing you the best in legal advice and representation. After going through the process of receiving a ticket and contesting it, you may be wondering, how do I avoid getting myself into this mess again? Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Speed! It sounds simple enough but sometimes our worries and stresses get the better of us and we rush, even unconsciously. In other cases, drivers will be caught speeding simply because they don’t know the limit for a road when there is no signage. For most of Ontario, the maximum speed for unmarked roads is 50 km/h and 80 km/h on the highway. However, this may be different for some areas. Always be attentive to road signs and watch for changes when travelling from highways or rural roads into more residential or business areas.

2. Drive defensively. Driving in an aggressive or erratic manner can lead to some stupid mistakes on the road which could catch the cops’ attention or worse – cause an accident. Weaving in and out of lanes, speeding past other vehicles, excessive honking and road rage are not only irritating to your follow motorists, they can have dangerous consequences.

3. Take care of your vehicle. Poorly maintained cars are not only eyesores; they also put you at risk when travelling and give the police an excuse to pull you over. Replace broken tail lights, blinkers, wipers, tires etc. as soon as you notice them to avoid preventable accidents and deter the attention of patrol cars.

4. Slow down when approaching potential cop hiding spots. Anyone who has gotten a speeding ticket will most likely tell you about how they were taken by surprise. To avoid this, slow down when approaching potential hiding spots – like exit ramps, long curves, wooded areas and construction zones.

5. Be aware of changing road conditions. Always be alert for severe weather, construction, traffic accidents or debris, as these may alter the road conditions for your commute. Failing to alter your driving according to these conditions could land you a careless driving or dangerous driving charge.

While these tips may seem obvious and straightforward, hundreds of drivers in Ontario are ignoring them everyday, landing them in frustrating legal predicaments. Don’t get caught off guard! Know the rules of the road to stay safe and remember that ignorance is not a good defence in any legal situation. Get the facts and get Legal Action!