Every year, anywhere between 25 and 50 million speeding tickets are issued to American drivers. Unfortunately, the effects of a ticket go well beyond financial inconvenience—speeding drivers make us all less safe on the road.

The traffic offense attorneys at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. have 75 years of combined experience serving drivers the Lake St. Louis, Missouri, region. Below, they share three tips for staying under the speed limit.

3 Tips for Staying Within the Speed Limit

1. Be Mindful of Posted Speeds & Your Odometer

One of the most effective ways to slow down and avoid tickets is to get in the habit of checking both roadside signs and the odometer in your car. Modern vehicles are built for comfort, so relying on the feeling of whether or not you're speeding can be misleading. If your car has speed management capabilities, set alerts that notify you when you surpass certain speeds. If this is not an option, practice scanning the roadside for speed limit signs and comparing the numbers with your odometer.

2. Relax

When you’re on the road, it’s crucial to stay calm. It's more important to follow the rules of the road and arrive safely than to drive recklessly and not arrive at all. If you need to pull over and get oriented, do so. If you are unsure of where you need to go, allow extra time. If traffic is a nightmare and you're entering panic mode, switch the radio dial to a classical music station and take some deep breaths. Cultivating a calmer environment in the car will naturally reduce your inclination to speed.

3. Use Cruise Control

Cruise control is the speed-inclined driver's best friend. Take advantage of it! On a relatively open road with a posted speed limit, set your cruise control and forget worrying. However, don’t use cruise control on urban streets, winding roads, or in the rain or snow.

By following the above tips, you can work toward staying within the speed limit and following the rules of the road. Contact Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. to schedule a consultation with a traffic offense attorney today. In addition to helping local drivers, they also offer representation in family law, personal injury, and workers' compensation matters. You can reach them by calling (636) 561-5599 or visiting their website.