by B. L. Babb

Created on: May 25, 2010

"High Speed Chase Ends in Death of Driver"

"Suspect Fatally Shot During Chase"

"Local Man Killed After Stolen SUV Overturns"

The headlines trumpet the penalty for trying to outrun police.  Maybe it is these very headlines that cause many to panic when the red/blue lights flash on in their rear view mirror.

If you are tooling down the road and see these beacons following you, do not panic.  No matter what they may be stopping you for, nothing can make it worse quicker than panicking and trying to outrun the law.

You can have a stroked/bored race car and you are not faster than the car radio the officer can use to call ahead.

Your first choice must be to safely pull off the side of the road and stop.  That will be your best option and safest choice for both the officer and you.

Once stopped, do not make any sudden moves, the officer may be investigating a robbery nearby that involved a vehicle similar to yours.  For all the officer knows, YOU are the robber reported to be armed in their last radio call.  He/she has no way of knowing you are a harmless citizen until you make contact and they perform their job.

If you are innocent, you should be on your way shortly.

Keep your hands in sight of the officer and roll your driver's window down (if it is up).

Many law enforcement officials do not wish for occupants of cars to attempt to exit, remain inside your vehicle until you are instructed to get out, if so instructed.

The officer who is stopping you has but one thought process mainly in mind.  Making this stop safely and returning home from work at the end of the shift.  Anything you do that could be perceived as jeopardizing that will put you at risk.

Once you see the beacons behind you, signal your intention to pull off the road, if it is not immediately safe to do so.  This lets the officer know you have seen the "request" from the lights and you will comply. 

Pull completely off the roadway; ensure you give enough room for the officer to stand by your door safely from passing traffic, if possible.

With the window down, just wait for the officer.  They may have called your license plate in and could be waiting for their dispatcher to return the information they asked.

Again, if you are innocent, most likely it will come back that yes, the license plate is on the correct car, no wants or warrants exist for the car, and then the officer can approach your vehicle.

Be polite.  Officers today carry microphones

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