Hello Mabs
My friend drives like she’s qualifying for Formula 1 but refuses to pay speeding fines because ‘the camera flashed too early.’ Should I still accept lifts? I’m now permanently fearfully buckled up
Mabs Answers
Safety always comes first. While spirited driving can feel exciting to some drivers, passengers should never feel anxious or unsafe in the vehicle. If you’re constantly ‘fearfully buckled up,’ that’s already a sign that the driving style may be too aggressive for your comfort.
As for the ‘camera flashed too early’ explanation, traffic enforcement systems are calibrated and speeding fines are generally issued based on recorded violations, not timing guesses. Responsible driving includes accountability as much as skill behind the wheel.
My advice would be to have an honest but light-hearted conversation with your friend about how the driving makes you feel. A good driver should make passengers feel comfortable, not tense. Until then, there’s nothing wrong with choosing lifts selectively or offering to drive instead.
