A retired police officer has revealed what increases your chances of getting pulled over.
Shaun Cronin, who was a traffic officer for 30 years with the Dorset Police, also spoke to WhatCar? about drivers' worst habits, what causes the most accidents and more.
The former cop said the most important quality for a traffic officer is "a keen sense of fair play," as "no traffic officer takes pleasure in booking someone."
Below are the key points he raised.
Do police officers have a quota to fill?
Despite the belief that police officers have a quota to meet in terms of how many people they pull over, Shaun said this is a myth.
Before writing up a ticket, police will use their own judgement and weigh up a range of factors, report The Sun.
If a driver was stopped for a defective light bulb and didn't realise it was out, many officers may give them the benefit of the doubt and not issue a ticket.
What are the worst habit among drivers?
There are numerous bad habits shared among drivers, but the worst according to the retired policeman is texting at the wheel.
"You soon learned to spot them, even when they had it low down in their lap," he told WhatCar? "Their body language would give it away."
He added that texting while driving should be as socially unacceptable as drink driving.
Greta Thunberg replaces Lisa Simpson on Bristol's most famous street art wall
What causes most accidents?
Shaun said that "drivers arriving at a situation far too quickly" is the main cause of accidents.
In other words drivers who are speeding are the main cause, and many crashes would be avoidable if drivers took their time and looked out for other vehicles.
The cop went on to say that drivers "itching to get past a slower truck" in what is called the "jock strap position" can also result in accidents, as the driver moves out onto the other lane for a look and risks a collision.
Are cars at fault?
According to Shaun, far fewer accidents are caused by defective cars than they used to be as vehicles and roads infrastructure are getting better - but drivers are not.
But recent crash statistics from Department of Transport reveal more than 1,500 incidents happened on UK roads where a vehicle defect was a contributing factor, said The Sun.
Faulty brakes were the most common problem leading to crashes, while under inflated tyres and overloaded vehicles also played a significant factor.
Shocking photos show aftermath of DFS lorry crash which caused traffic gridlock on M5
Advice for drivers
There are some things drivers can do to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Shaun advised giving allowing plenty of time and space, and sharing the road equitably.
"How many times do you see drivers close up where two roads merge, to stop someone getting in?" he asked. "Instead, be polite, be friendly and let them in."
He continued to say that concentration and good observation make people safer and more efficient drivers.
