One minute your cruising down the highway and the next, your the object of every passer-byes curiosity. You have those glaring red and blues behind you and that blinding spot light aimed in your mirrors. So what do you now, at that moment before the officer approaches your window and ask for your license and registration? Well Harmony has decided to help you out by giving some advice on the do's and don'ts of the traffic stop. We start by using a suggestion from a blog called Davidisms.
Davidism #7 – Accept Responsibility: Look, whenever we are caught doing something wrong it seems to upset our day. We spend the entire day nursing and rehearsing how when other people were doing the wrong they weren’t caught, but we were. We don’t spend nearly enough time admitting to our own wrong in the matter. Really, if we would just say, “yep, I did it” then we don’t have to ruin our day and try to convince other people to join our pity party… and frankly people who admit their mistakes look better in the character category.
As a former law officer myself I couldn't agree more. Accepting responsibility for our actions is less stressful than trying to cover for them. If many of you did this, especially when encountering the law, then your character is not in question and a simple acknowledgment of your infraction and verbal warning will satisfy the nice policeman.
In my law enforcement career I encountered many type of people during a traffic stop. The criers, the totally oblivious, the excuse makers, the dumbfounded, and the no-time for this type. I never encountered the guilty, even when the Judge said they were, they just wouldn't admit it. I know, not every person stopped for a traffic infraction, is guilty, but with so many tools to prove you are, it's about 90% fact that you committed a violation. So, how do you make the best of it and keep yourself off the evening news for a confrontation with a taser? Simple! THINK first. Common sense goes a long way to getting you back on your journey. Try these tactics instead of excuses and see if your driving record improves drastically.
1. Pull over as soon as possible and find a safe place for you and the officer to conduct business.
2. Always turn on your hazard lights and at night an interior light to let the officer know you are not a threat.
3. Have the required documentation ready (License and Proof of insurance). Fondling around in a glove box or storage space makes an officer nervous.
4. Be truthful when asked questions about your driving/criminal history. He's gonna know anyway and this is a small test of your character.
5. Use all the courtesies your mother taught you. Pleasant exchanges lessen your chance for a ticket. And remember most of these stops are recorded!
6. Never confront the officer. Being a good listener scores you points.
7. If asked to exit the vehicle do so in a timely and smooth manner. That taser "thingy" really does hurt.
8. Always keep in mind that the officer does not want to be on the side of the anymore than you do. It is very dangerous!
9. Always keep your hands where they can be seen! A nervous cop writes tickets and looks into your background more deeply.
10. Finally, keep your passengers quiet! What they say can hurt you. The smoother the exchange of the stop the sooner you are back on the road.
Now this obviously does not cover every scenario, but these are the basics to keeping you and your driving/criminal record clean. You must also understand that there are policeman that write tickets no matter what. Keeping your cool keeps them from missing dinner and maybe the next time he stops you he will have mercy on you.
Really it's basic human interaction and common courtesy. You have somewhere to be and the police have a job to do. When your paths cross, make it a short and pleasant encounter rather than ending up in the clink for a very silly misunderstanding.
Thanks for reading and remember this? K-I-S-S. Practice it!
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