by KawikaChann

Created on: May 03, 2008   Last Updated: April 21, 2012

For whatever reason, you've managed to have yourself pulled over by a police officer and your whole world will soon be hanging in the balance of how well you perform when the officer approaches your car.

Calm down. Clear your head. Let the adrenaline race through your body to prepare yourself for the performance of your life. You would have already had the foresight not to have any open containers in your vehicle, grab a breath neutralizer - definitely not a obvious fruity gum or breath mint that will be easily detected by the officer, chew it and swallow it just before the officer approaches. Do not choke on it. Do not move nervously about the car, gather your license, registration, insurance card and keep your hands out in the open. While the officer is behind you, he will be checking your vehicle, and observing your actions. Police officers are naturally very suspicious, if he spots you darting about in the car, it will go badly for you. Don't forget, all your answers to the officer will be, no sir, and yes sir.

If you had a lot to drink and you've been drinking beer, it will already be coming out of your pores. Resist the urge to lie about drinking at all, instead, and only after he asks if you've been drinking, answer yes - just a few. If you've had a few shots of hard liquor or have only had a few beers, you don't have to admit it, you say, you just had a drink. Never explain unnecessarily, it will only add to more questions from the officer, and you might be tempted to lie and that will be quickly detected by the officer, and he will press you. All officers know when you're lying, no matter how good a liar you think you are.

Hopefully, your license and paperwork will be in order, won't have any warrants on you, and he will see that you're not impaired, and okay to drive home. If he asks that you exit the vehicle, you're not in the clear. You are more than likely going to be asked to take a field sobriety test. Cooperate, be confident, and listen to his instruction. If he asks you to tilt your head back and lean as far back as you can, apologize and let him know matter-of-fact that you can't lean that far back due to a bad back. By this time, you should have sobered enough to pass the tests, just remember, these tests are hard to do when you're sober, and being a little off balance is fine - just don't draw attention to it by commenting every time you miss a step.

If you've made it this far without the cuffs, chances are really good that you'll be let off with a warning. Remember, what you say when you answer his questions during the test is as important as the test itself, keep your wits about you and stay confident throughout the testing - that's confident, not cocky.

Remember, do not drink and drive. If you are drunk, or if you fail the sobriety test, you are probably better off losing your license, than losing your life or taking someone else's.

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