ALT-1 What not to do when the Police Pull you over
While there are certain things one would want to remember to do when pulled over by the police, there are several things you would not want to do when the police pull you over. If one follows a few simple guidelines, both the officer and the person pulled over are going to have a much better day.
Never, Ever
When pulled over by the police, it is imperative that you refrain from throwing up out the car window just as the officer approaches the car. While all those drinks may really be getting to you, police officers do not like their freshly shined shoes to be soiled.
Never, ever call the police officer any of the assorted words for which your mother used to wash your mouth out with soap. No matter how sure you are that the light was yellow, that you were not doing 50 in the 35 MPH zone, that you absolutely did use your turn signal and no matter how sure you are that the breathalyzer just has to be malfunctioning, police officers frown very highly on being called a ^%$# or even a *$^*##!
When pulled over by the police, it is okay, however, if one truly is trying to ascertain that it really is a police officer pulling them over and not one of the many impersonators in the news lately, if the motorist pull into a more well-lighted area. This does not mean to keep driving another ten miles before pulling over. But there have been some police jurisdictions that recognize the apprehension some people may feel if they cannot properly determine if the car attempting to pull them over is actually a properly marked police cruiser. With the several incidents of police impersonators attacking women and even assaulting men, just going a short distance is okay, according to authorities in some areas, at least. After a woman was stabbed by a police impersonator when she pulled over in Kewanee, Illinois in December 2009,WQADreported that the police chief in the Illinois case suggested that if motorists are unable to determine for certain that it is an official police cruiser behind them, that the person should slow down, turn their hazard lights on, and pull into a well-lighted area. It has also been suggested that motorists may call 911 and check with the dispatcher to determine if it is a legitimate traffic stop.
When pondering what not to do when pulled over by the police, one may want to consider that it is probably not a good idea to tell the officer that the reason you cannot recite the alphabet forwards, let alone backwards, is because you did not graduate from high school. While it may provide officers on the scene a good laugh, it probably will still tick the officer off after he finishes his good laugh. Your statement will be written into the officer's report, and the judge will probably not be impressed either.
Police officers have already heard all those stories about how you have not been drinking, but while you were at the bar drinking a bottled water, some guy spilled his drink all over you. Officers have also heard that one you want to tell about how that baggie with funny looking stuff in it on the front seat or in your purse is not yours. Even though Paris Hilton was released in half the time as other inmates in Las Vegas, and on her own recognizance, you probably will not be.
When being pulled over by the police, that just is not the time to see how fast your car really can go. Now, besides the original traffic violation and whatever other infractions you may have had that you may have been able to plead down to lesser charges, you will have fleeing and eluding and resisting arrest charges, as well as more traffic violations. Not to mention that your car that you discovered really does go well over a hundred miles per hour will be towed and you will have to pay the fees associated with getting the car out of tow.
When being pulled over by the police, one may want to consider the consequences of being in the process of putting the joint out and waving away the smoke when the officer approaches the vehicle, but yet you have “no idea what that smell is, sir.” That only makes the officer more suspicious and even madder than he or she already is at having to put up with people like you who have “no idea.” At least remember the air freshener and if you must, smoke the joint after you get home instead of ending up in jail and endangering the safety and lives of others on the road.
When considering what not to do when being pulled over by the police, one also has to consider what he or she should do when being pulled over by the police. The best advice for when one is being pulled over by the police is simple; pull over!
