You never know where speed traps may be lurking. Thanks to apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze, users can now report speed traps to spare others the fate of getting pulled over and ticketed.
However, you might not always be using navigation while driving. And you might not see the speed trap alert in time. If you frequently drive in the Geneva area, it’s wise to be aware of riskier spots where you should hit the brakes.
Here are some of the areas where speed enforcement is generally more likely:
- Areas with reduced speed limits: When the speed limit quickly drops, it’s easy to miss the signage and fail to promptly reduce your speed. Police officers often prioritize these areas for enforcement activity.
- School zones: When children are present, school zones in Illinois are capped at 20 mph. Speeding in a school zone is more serious than speeding elsewhere. A ticket can result in hefty fines and points on your driving record, which could jeopardize your driver’s license.
- Construction zones: As with school zones, there are enhanced penalties for speeding in construction zones. A second offense for speeding in a construction zone can cost you your license. Some work zones in Illinois use automatic photo enforcement.
- Major thoroughfares: Roads like Route 38/Lincoln Highway and other major thoroughfares are more likely to be priorities for law enforcement, particularly in areas where there have historically been a high volume of speed-related crashes. When driving northbound on Kirk Rd. between Fabyan Parkway and route 38, Route 38 through Geneva, or on Route 64 in St. Charles, is it particularly important to drive with caution as there is high foot traffic crossing the street and frequent construction.
If you are unlucky enough to get pulled over, think twice before simply paying the ticket, especially if it’s for aggravated speeding. You may have grounds for challenging the ticket and avoiding the consequences for your driving record, insurance premiums and pocketbook.