Have a happy and safe New Year. One way you can help make that happen is by following these simple tips
1) Pull over quickly… but only in a safe place.
When the red and blue lights go on behind you, slow down, put on your blinker and pull over… but only in a safe location – safe for you (think: well-lit, where you can be seen by passers-by) as well as safe for the police officer.
From time to time, cops are injured by traffic passing a stopped vehicle. So consider a shopping center parking lot. Or, at least, an area where the shoulder of the road is nice and broad.
Then, apply your parking brake.
2) Roll down your window, turn off your ignition and put your hands at the top of your steering wheel.
What police officers fear most as they approach your vehicle is the unexpected. You can put the cop at ease by not making any sudden moves.
This is important: Don’t get out of your car. Sit there with your hands in plain view. Don’t move unless you’re asked to. Don’t even reach for your driver’s license or registration until the officer asks for you for it.
3) Before you make any move, tell the officer what you’re doing.
When the officer asks you for your license, say it’s in your wallet or purse. Only then, take your hands off the steering wheel and slowly reach for your license.
Same for the registration that you probably keep in your glove compartment. Tell the officer what you’re doing and then do it. Slowly.
4) Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to. Answer only the questions you’re asked.
While most police officers will extend a certain amount of professional courtesy, they have a job to do and it’s not always a pleasant one.
Be as courteous and respectful as you can. Now’s not the time to complain that you weren’t speeding or to whine about the cost of traffic fines. A simple “yes sir” or “no sir” – or “yes, ma’am” or “no ma’am” – would be best.
5) Normally, a police officer isn’t allowed to search your vehicle unless the officer has “reasonable suspicion” or “probable cause.” This might include:
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Looking as if you’re trying to hide or dispose of something.
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Looking as if you might be armed.
A cop can seize anything in plain sight in your car, plus anything the officer finds while confiscating that item. If that happens, don’t argue. That’s what the courts are for.
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