A ticket to ride
Anybody who's ever received a traffic citation, please raise your hand.

We thought so.

Almost everyone who drives has been pulled over at least once.

Traffic tickets are an everyday occurrence and even a good driver can have a lapse in concentration that leads to getting caught. First there's denial, then the realization that you're going to be hit with a large fine. And don't kid yourself, there's nothing funny about comedy traffic school. It's one sad way to spend a Saturday.

Nobody likes getting ticketed, but it happens to all of us.

Do we get more tickets in this area because crime is low and deputies have little else to do but stake out traffic? Possibly, but it's also been proven that strong traffic enforcement leads to fewer accidents, and that's a good thing.

Is there a ticketing "quota" that the cops must meet? The sheriff's department says no, but the question always seems to arise. And what about the question men often ask: Can a pretty female smile be a ticket to freedom? Sometimes it is.

Some people complain about being unfairly targeted by the local deputies. It's probably because they're the ones who habitually break the law. It is true, however, that some types of cars and some classes of people are picked on more than others.

What are the most common infractions? The experts say speeding and disobeying the rules of the intersection. (Many traffic accidents are said to be caused by right-of-way violations.)

Here's a good tip for drivers: When a crossing guard is leading children across the street, make sure the guard has returned to his or her post before stepping on the gas. It's okay to proceed when all pedestrians in a crosswalk have reached the other side. 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.

The best overall advice is drive safely, don't get distracted while you're behind the wheel, and remember to buckle up.