by Sammy Stein

Created on: September 23, 2010

Getting pulled over by traffic cops is something which can happen to anyone. It does not necessarily mean you have done something wrong, they may be checking cars or giving you information about the route or conditions. I made the mistake of taking the arrogant road with a young traffic cop who stopped me recently and it was really embarassing. Here is an account of what not to say to a traffic cop when you get pulled over.

I had pulled out of the school car park one evening and was, as I thought, driving carefully along the road home. I saw a police car pull out of the police station. After passing me, he made a rapid U-turn and followed me when I turned into a side road. He flashed his blue lights and pulled me over. Angry, I thought, 'typical, young cop, new to the job, doesn't know a good driver when he sees one'. He asked me to wind my window down, which I did and he leaned over and asked me if I knew why he had stopped me.

' Of course not, I guess you just felt like it or wanted to see what the experience was like'. I glibly responded. ' I saw you turn around behind me, haven't you got real criminals to catch?' I asked him. 

He loked at me calmly. ' Have you had a drink tonight?' came his polite question. ' Only water', I replied. ' Well, in that case can I give you some advice?' he smiled at me and I realised he was indulging me- cheek!

' If you have any advice to offer me at your age, please go ahead' I answered, by now frustrated and cross. Here was this young whipper- snapper holding me up and I was such an experienced driver! Surely he had better things to do?

'When you drive at night, Madam, it is best to put your lights on.' The cop smiled again and I felt about 6 inches high (or short). I realised I had driven all the way without putting my lights on - what a numpty!

' Er, yes, sorry, of course, ' I stammered, quickly flicking the switch. I slowly pulled away, watching him in my rear-view mirror. Do you know I swear I could see his shoulders shaking with laughter! So , my advice is when a cop stops you, listen to them first before piling in with your own comments - I was lucky not to get fined that evening and am actually grateful to the young whipper-snapper- he was actually doing a good job!

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