Speed limits and traffic tickets are everybody's business
If you've ever received a traffic citation, please raise your hand. We thought so. Almost everyone who drives a car or truck has been pulled over at least once. Traffic tickets are an everyday occurrence and even if you're a good driver you can have a lapse in concentration that leads to getting caught. First there's denial, then that ache in the pit of your stomach that says you're going to be out at least $150 and probably more. And don't kid yourself, there's nothing funny about comedy traffic school. It's one sad way to spend a Saturday.

Acorn readers periodically complain about what they perceive as an undue amount of traffic tickets being written by local deputies. Some drivers complain about being unfairly targeted, but it's probably because they're the ones habitually breaking the law.

Do we get more tickets in our area because crime rates are low and deputies have little else to do? Possibly, but it's also been proven that strong traffic enforcement leads to fewer accidents, and that's a good thing. Is there a quota the cops must meet that forces them to write more tickets? The sheriff's department has told us no, but the question always seems to linger. And the one that bothers men the most: Can a pretty female smile be a ticket to freedom? Sometimes.

Other questions we've pondered: What are the most common infractions? And are some types of cars pulled over more often than others? Probably.

By the way, here's a tip for drivers: When a crossing guard is leading children across the street, make sure the guard has returned to his post before proceeding. Overly anxious drivers usually get ticketed.

Good driving is a habit; so is bad driving. Keep pushing the envelope and sooner or later you'll get caught. One thing we know for sure: If you obey the laws of the road, you won't get ticketed. And if you are ticketed, chances are good that you won't make the same mistake twice. Police know this and that's why they write tickets.

Please see related story in Community section about a change in the speed limits for Agoura Hills.