While we all know that it’s illegal to drive over the posted speed limit, so many people spend the majority of their time on the road going at least marginally over the speed limit. And although you might not get a speeding ticket every time you break this law, you are increasing your chances of getting into a car accident and causing harm to yourself or others each time you drive faster than you should.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help reverse this bad habit that you’ve created and train yourself to drive at a safer speed. To show you how this can be done, here are three tips to help you break your habit of speeding while driving.
Give Yourself More Time
One of the biggest reasons why people feel like they need to speed when driving is that they don’t think they have enough time to get to where they need to be.
Not only is this not a good reason to speed, but the logic behind this decision doesn’t even make sense. If you choose to speed when driving around a town or city, any time you think you made up is actually canceled out by traffic. And on longer road trips, the saved time is so minimal that it’s really not worth it when you consider the extra pressure on your car and as well as your chances of getting pulled over by a police offer.
So rather than choosing to speed, NHTSA recommends that you simply give yourself more time in the car. If this means leaving a few minutes earlier than you normally would, do what you can to make these adjustments at home so you don’t have to speed while on the road.
Find Ways To Stay Calm Behind The Wheel
Another reason people find themselves going over the speed limit could be feelings of anger or aggression while behind the wheel. According to USA Today, certain triggers can cause you to lose focus on the road and start speeding. But if you’re able to recognize those triggers and keep yourself calm while driving, you’ll be able to keep your speed under control as well.
Take Advantage Of Cruise Control When You Can
To take the possibility of speeding off the table, Dan Collins, a contributor to CarBibles.com, suggests that you use cruise control whenever you can. By doing this, you’ll be able to set your car at a safe speed and won’t absentmindedly start speeding or allowing your emotions to get the best of you.
If you have a bad habit of speeding while driving, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you address this issue.