Most-Used Excuses for Getting Out of Traffic Tickets: Survey

Plead ignorance.

That’s the most-used excuse when drivers are pulled over for a traffic violation, according to Insurance.com’s new “Ticketmasters” survey.

Among people who said they have used excuses when pulled over by a police officer, here’s how explanations break down:

“By now, police officers can probably finish people’s sentences,” said Michelle Megna, managing editor of Insurance.com. “I wonder if they wouldn’t appreciate a little dog-ate-my-homework creativity.”

Men are more likely to rationalize their driving behavior by saying they were being altruistic – “I’m just helping out. I wasn’t even supposed to be driving!” Among people who have used this excuse, 90 percent were men.

There are differences in excuses between men vs. women, the survey also found.

I couldn’t see the sign telling me not to do it. — Men: 38 percent; Women: 62 percent

I’m lost and unfamiliar with the roads. — Men: 35 percent; Women: 65 percent

I didn’t know it was broken. — Men: 39 percent; Women: 61 percent

Everyone else was doing it. — Men: 56 percent; Women: 44 percent

I’m having an emergency situation in my car. (For instance, spilled a hot drink on your lap.) Men: 67 percent; Women: 33 percent

I missed my turn/exit. — Men: 54 percent; Women: 46 percent

I had to go to the bathroom. — Men: 35 percent; Women: 65 percent

I didn’t do anything dangerous. — Men: 71 percent; Women: 29 percent

I was on my way to an emergency. (For example, to help someone who is ill or injured.) — Men: 55 percent; Women: 45 percent

My GPS said it was the right thing to do. — Men: 82 percent; Women: 18 percent

I’m just helping out. I wasn’t even supposed to be driving. (For example, your friend is intoxicated.) — Men: 90 percent; Women: 10 percent

Insurance.com offers a few tips for drivers getting pulled over:

Insurance.com commissioned a survey of 500 licensed drivers age 18 and over. The survey was fielded in February 2013.

Source: Insurance.com