State Trooper Troubles Anyone??

[Trogdor]

A couple tips for avoiding tickets. I've been pulled over 3 times in the 3 months I've had my Ralliart, and avoided tickets each time. The only ticket I've ever gotten was when I was 18 and I didn't know what I know now.

Traffics stops are surprisingly one of the most common causes of injury or death for officers and state troopers. Safety is the number one concern for them as they're coming up to your car. Keeping that in mind there are a number of things you can do that will help keep them safe, and maybe make them a little more forgiving.

1) Pull over far enough for them to approach the window. Yes, there is a law that states you must move over one lane if you can when an officer in on the side of the road. However, this doesn't always happen. The more room you can give them to stand away from traffic, they will appreciate it.

2) Turn the car off and place the keys on the dash there they are visible. Knowing that you're not going to try to back up and run them over, or speed off is another thing off their list of things to worry about.

3) Have your ID and insurance ready to go when they get to your car. Next time you get pulled over, look where the office had their hands as the approach your car. It's on their belt, so that they're ready to draw their gun if they need it. If you can avoid moving your hands to a place where they can't see them, the safer you both are. So make sure you've already gotten in to your wallet, purse, or glove box before they get to your car.

4) Keep you hands where they can see them. The wheel is always a good place for this.

5) If it's dark, turn your dome lights on. This way they can see in to your car easier and know that it is safe. Also, if you can, try to pull over in a place where a street light is coming in to the front of your car, or in to a parking lot there there is a lot of light.

6) MN has concealed carry laws. If you're armed, let the officer know. They will instruct you on how they want to handle the situation. They may asked you give them the weapon until they have finish, they may simple thank you for informing them. Let them decide what they want to do.

7) Be very clear and deliberate about what you're doing. Say for example, you didn't have time to reach in to your glove box for your insurance card. Before doing this say to the officer, "I'm going to open the glove box and get my insurance card."