“Apologies And Speeding Fines”

I was forwarded the following article, thought it was interesting.

Youre headed home or to the mall or rushing to pick up the kids and you see flashing lights behind you. You look down and realize, too late, youre speeding. And youre about to be nailed for it. There are a million theories on the best thing to say or do when you roll down your window to be confronted. But, until recently, there hasnt been any real evidence to show just how effective those apologies, pleas, denials or excuses are.

Two University of Waterloo social psychology researchers decided to tackle the topic, asking more than 1,000 people in Canada and the U.S. how their responses to officers issuing a ticket affected just how much they had to pay. Their findings? A simple "Im sorry," was the most effective and actually reduced the fine issued by an average of $51, according to study respondents.

"If you think about what an apology does, it indicates that the transgressor feels remorse or feels badly about the event," said PhD candidate Martin Day, who co-authored the study with UW professor Mike Ross. "That implies that they will respond better in the future, that theyll abide by the law."

While not making any type of admission is often recommended, it looks like a sincere apology will often work in your favour.

Article: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/art ... et-remorse