Some towns and cities have found a surefire way to develop revenue for their residents, and some unfortunate motorists become unwilling contributors daily. Speed traps are easy ways for towns to earn money.
If you are unfortunate enough to speed into one, you will drive away with a huge fine. Drive with care through these towns. Some of the worst cities in Texas where you do not want to speed include Houston and Selma.
Selma, Texas
Just north of San Antonio lies Selma, a town with a population of less than 300. However, the annual revenue rises to $168,000. That amounts to about $800 for every resident of the town. The city stretches along the bottom of a hill. If you take that hill too fast, you will find yourself with blue and red lights in your mirror and an unwanted souvenir on your visit.
Houston, Texas
Houston may be known for its sports teams and NASA, but locals know that it is a giant speed trap. If you happen to be traveling along the Beltway 8, just before the Clay Road exit, be prepared to stop… and pay. The Houston PD often hides along this route waiting for your speedometer to inch over a bit too much to the right. Be careful on Wescott southbound approaching Memorial Drive.
Tuckerton between Barker Cypress and Queenston is an especially effective speed trap. Drive just five miles over the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop and receive a ticket. Washington Avenue at Old Katy Road Bridge is another problematic area. Therefore, drive with caution at this intersection. If you are headed to the airport, be careful especially around the I-45 S feeder towards Houston Hobby airport at the Pasadena/Park Pl exit.
Tyler, Texas
Obey the speed limit if you plan a trip through Tyler. The strip between Cumberland Road between Old Jacksonville Hwy. and S. Broadway (Hwy. 69) is known as a speed trap. Prepare to slow down or pay the price. This area is especially problematic for drivers because the speed limit switches from 45 mph to 35 mph without much warning.
Honorable Mention
While the three towns and cities above are the more well-known speed traps in Texas, they are by far not the only ones to beware of. Other towns that are known for their strict enforcement of speed laws include:
- Longview
- Jacksonville
- Henderson
- Quitman
- Kilgore
- Marshall
It is advised to exercise extra caution near these cities. Also, whenever you are travelling across states, conduct a bit of research on this topic and other driving related laws. These might change a lot between different states.
Why Speed Traps Are So Effective
Small towns lack the infrastructure to bring in the revenue of larger cities. Without much going on tourist attractions or commercial industry, it is hard for them to generate the funds they need to pay for town services and amenities. Enter the speed trap.
The small towns located along popular stretches of highway use speeding tickets as a means of generating the much-needed income. In the United States alone, nearly 600 towns get 10 percent of their annual revenue from speed traps and court fines. One small town in Louisiana is only one square mile wide but generates more than 87 percent of its revenue from speeding tickets.
The Bottom Line
Speeding can cause deadly traffic accidents and driving within the speed limit can reduce the severity of injuries sustained in a crash. If you have been hit by a speeding motorist, you may be entitled to compensation.
You need a Houston car accident lawyer on your side who will fight for your rights and get you the money you deserve. Do not suffer in silence. Contact a specialized law firm as soon as possible. Many offer a free initial consultation. This will allow you to go over the case in large brush strokes with a lawyer and address any uncertainties.
