Flashies in Your Rear View Mirror

By Kent

Ever been running down the road on the way home from work with cars in front, SUVs on your side, and a big red pickup truck trying to kiss your rear fender; then all of a sudden traffic breaks up and it's clear sailing ahead? No? Well, if it happens glance around pretty fast and you might find it's because one of the boys in blue just pulled down the ramp. Within seconds you might even have one squatting down admiring your bike while he's tapping his ink pen against that dreaded ticket book.

I really was going with the flow of traffic. All the other vehicals just slammed on their brakes and I shot through to the front. Still, it sure seemed that the reason he stopped me was to look at the bike, but maybe that's also the reason he let me off with a lesser ticket. Oh well. Lesson learned. It could have been worse (I've been there too), and I've NEVER gotten completely out of a ticket.

If you're stopped, the I found some tips* the police give on how to make the experience as safe and painless as possible. They are written for cagers, but you'll get the idea.

• "Invoke the 'Golden Rule'and treat the officer the way you would like to be treated.
• Remember that you are required to cooperate with all reasonable requests that law enforcement personnel make.
• If an officer signals for you to stop, remain calm and pull over safely.
• Be prepared to produce your driver's licence and other documents, based on the laws in your jurisdiction.
• Remain in the vehicle unless the officer tells you otherwise.
• Keep your hands visible.
• If you are stopped by a non-uniformed officer in an unmarked vehicle, you can ask the officer for identification.
• If you believe the reason for the stop is vague or unclear, you can ask the officer for details.
• If you are uncomfortable about stopping because an area is deserted or not well-lit, explain this to the officer and ask if you can proceed to a more populated or better illuminated place.
• Procedural questions and complaints about an officer's treatment of you can be forwarded to the officer's supervisor.
• Don't speed, drive aggressively, or drive while you are impaired. Always wear your seat belt and correctly buckle up any children who are riding with you. Yield to pedestrians when they have the right-of-way. If you follow all traffic laws, you reduce your chances that the police will stop you.
• Try to find the "positive" in the traffic stop. Use the information you have received to make yourself a better motorist."

Unfortunately, though profiling by the police isn't very politically correct, if you're geared up, wearing a coat of road grime, your beard is dirty and your ponytail looks like it's been in a wind tunnel (so I'm not so pretty after a few miles), there's a decent chance the cop may be a little nervous around you.

Don't make any sudden moves, and make sure he or she knows what you're doing all the time. If you reach into your inner jacket pocket or saddlebag, you might be mistaken for reaching for a weapon. Make sure the cop understands what you are saying and doing, and pay attention to what he or she says.

There are some bad apples out there, and some that push the limits of the law, but these are the guys that will probably get there first when you go down. Give them a chance to treat you fairly. The side of the road isn't the place for your day in court.

* The Traffic Stop & You - Improving Communications Between Citizens & Law Enforcement
T raffic Law Enforcement Division of NTHSA

 

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