Tom's Blog
It seems almost every day there is news of somebody getting pulled over by a police officer and how it all went wrong. If you have ever experienced being pulled over, you KNOW the feeling of panic, or even anger, but there are some very important Do’s and Don’ts if you get pulled over by police that will reduce this panic and keep everyone safe.
A routine traffic stop can end up being very dangerous if you are not careful. Below are some basic tips to promote safety for you, the officer, and others that are in the area:
- DO safely pull off the road to a secure location, which may be a parking lot or a well-lit exit off the highway. Make sure you gesture to the officer (turn signal or hand signal) to let the police officer know you are pulling over to a safe area.
- DO turn your vehicle off so there is no question of whether you will try to leave the scene. Another good idea is to turn on the interior dome light so the inside of your car is very visible.
- DO access your license and car registration before the officer approaches your car. Consider how the officer may be concerned if he/she sees you reaching over to get something out of the glove compartment. He may be suspicious of whether you are reaching for a weapon.
- DO keep both hands on the steering wheel so that when the officer approaches, he knows your hands are NOT reaching for something else.
- DO tell the officer if you have a concealed weapon in your car and immediately show the police officer your concealed carry permit.
- DON’T get impatient during the time when the officer leaves your car until he returns. It is standard procedure for the police officer to sit in his vehicle to run your tags and confirm your identity and the car registration.
- DON’T argue with the officer or cry if you are given a citation! Doing this will NOT get you out of the ticket, but may escalate a bad situation.
- DO allow the police officer to go over the citation with you while listening carefully on the following steps you need to take to handle the ticket.
- DO give a proper signal to enter back onto the roadway only AFTER the police officer has released you to exit carefully.
Stay Calm and Stay Safe!
A routine traffic stop can escalate into something bigger if you aren’t familiar with how to handle the situation. Promoting safety is a priority to the police force so always remember to stay calm and stay safe! Drive carefully!
