Good driving makes good cents.

My speeding ticket felt like tissue paper in my hands. I should be at work, not sitting in the glossy pew of a courtroom. "This is the emptiest I've ever seen traffic court," murmured the woman next to me. True enough. The room was at approximately twenty-five percent capacity, which meant that the great majority of my county was smarter than I.

Of course I took the supervision option. Of course I paid the fine that day. But the point is that I'd lost $97.00 because I hadn't seen a sign telling me when the speed limit changed.

Our driving habits can cost us. We're all alert to the dangers inherent to driving while intoxicated, texting, using our cell phone, or doing our nails. The cost of a ticket - or worse - an accident is enough to instill some common sense into us. So let me steer past the obvious and look at some other ways we overspend while driving.

I'm not a purist about gas mileage. I know to drive a consistent speed, and I know my car does best at 47 miles per hour. But sometimes I just need to get somewhere. Even so, small changes can make a difference. How about all those times you accelerate on your way to a stop sign? The acceleration uses unnecessary gas, followed by more wear on your brakes. Anytime you brake, you're wasting gas. Sometime, try seeing how far your car can coast. You'll be surprised. If I'm going 20 miles per hour turning into my street, I can allow my car to coast up the hill for two blocks before settling into my driveway.

In the summer, having the window open versus using the air conditioning are about six-of-one-a-half-dozen-of-another regarding gas mileage. If you're going to do either, do whichever makes you more comfortable.

Increasing your travel distance is safer and it allows you more flexibility as to when - or if - you brake. Also, when you stop behind another driver, allow enough space for you to see the pavement in front of your car. If you were to be rear-ended, you're less likely to hit the car in front of you. Sure, the insurance companies might absorb the bills, but your neck will fare better if it's only subjected to one collision instead of two.

Somebody in Detriot is going to hate me for saying this, but keeping an older car in good condition is more green-friendly than buying a new hybrid. Why? Because it taxes the environment to manufacture a new car. Disposing of old cars also creates more clutter for the earth to absorb. Additionally, it's probably better on your pocketbook to keep an older car going. So don't skimp on maintenance. Most cars can be safely driven into extremely high mileages if you're dedicated to getting the oil changed quarterly. Because I'm not mechanically inclined, I like to also get my belts and filters inspected and I get them changed when they go bad. Keeping the car longer is more important to me than keeping a filter longer.

I have two mechanics. One is a garage with several employees and a business manager. The other is a guy who makes housecalls. Guess who's cheaper if my car can't start? Yup. And he's the same guy I bring with me to advise me about used car purchases. I suspect his life may have taken him down a few dark alleys in the past, but he's never done me wrong.

A few years ago, I caved and got a GPS. It was a Christmas present from my folks, with them paying for part of it, and me paying for the rest. Not only does it tell me where I'm going, but it also tells me of places I can stop. It also lets me know if I'm exceeding the speed limit.

If you travel frequently, getting an auto club membership can also be cost-effective. It not only provides free towing, but it offers discounts at many hotels.

Driving in inclement weather isn't the same as driving on dry pavement. There are three S's to consider - starting, stopping, steering. All of these change either the speed or the trajectory of your car. Do them with slowly and evenly. Try to avoid driving closely to other cars and limit any distractions. Bring your cell phone, a large jar candle with a lighter, some blankets, a flashlight, pull-on boots, a 'call police' sign and food. Make sure your tank has plenty of gas. If you go off the road, you have a few options. If the incline isn't sharp, you might be able to get yourself back onto the road. Drive parallel to the road in an up-and-back pattern so that you're edging yourself toward the road a bit at a time but not taking the entire hill at once. But if you can't do this, you may need to call for help. Put the 'call police' sign in the back window and flip on your blinkers. If it's cold outside, pull on the boots, get under the blankets and light the candle. This should offer enough heat to prevent you from freezing to death before help arrives. I like to carry a battery flashlight as well as a crank-powered flashlight/radio. If the batteries go dead, I have a backup.

Last but not least, the best way to save money when you drive is to bike or walk.

Till next time! :)