Check out this Dumb ticket I just got

[RunningOnEMT]

Being an emergency responder myself, let me put it this way.. Yeah we're out there maybe inconveniencing you, but you either called us there yourself, had someone call on your behalf, or did something that brought us to the scene (i.e. speeding) so copping an attitude and getting back at the cop for being stern with you doesnt bode well on your behalf. Just really kinda makes you look imature....

[atdeneve]

Originally Posted by thebigjimsho

Late one night, I was coming home from Concord, NH. It was 2AM and I knew the Pooper Troopers would be out in full force. As I got on I-93, I saw an officer had someone pulled over. So I tippytoed away and stayed UNDER the limit. As I looked in my mirror, I saw the officer floor it towards me. He stayed on my bumper for 2 miles and then pulled me over. I had the cruise set to 62...in a 65. When he pulled me over he claimed that I was doing 82. The officer was downright fabricating the entire incident. I didn't say a word.

I was furious but was going to fight it in court. There's nothing to be gained by arguing with a cop, nevermind alone on a highway at 2AM. When I got to fight it in court, the officer showed. Good thing. I asked him if it were correct that he had another car pulled over before me. He said yes. I asked him if it were true that I-93 had a long uphill where the officer could see me for at least 2 miles. He said yes. I asked him if he ever suspected I was inebriated. He said no. I then asked him if he used RADAR at any time. He said no.

Since I established that I already knew where the officer was and was not drunk, that it would be crazy for me to speed away at 82mph, and that I certainly wouldn't have when the officer was pacing me, the judge was able to deduce that I hadn't been speeding.

If I had been a prick to the officer when he pulled me over, I may have had to defend myself against other offenses. Or maybe even put away right then.

If you want to have a clean record, you need to pick your battles wisely. Reason with the cop if you can. Fight to the death in the courtroom...

I wholly agree. Would not argue the fact that it's a waste of time to fight with a cop. Yeah, it's probably worth mentioning here, however, I just don't find it necessary to preach down to anyone about this. Cigarettes are bad. Exercise is good. We all know. It's just sometimes we go against our better judgement. That's all.

Moreover, some seemed to ignore the fact that the situation was total bullshit and focused solely on the idiocy of back talk. So, I figured I'd just bring it back <woooosh> in to focus.

Also, I think you have a better knowledge on how to use the system to your advantage. Most of the population will not have the ability to utilize the system as you did in that scenario. Hence, they are more liable to lose their cool, as they may not perceive themselves to have as much at stake. Going to court, nevermind winning the case, is, at most, a remote thought, quickly cast aside in favor of giving into an emotional response. It is much easier to demonstrate restraint when one knows that he will, ultimately, determine the outcome. (I like yo skillz thar).

Originally Posted by RunningOnEMT

Being an emergency responder myself, let me put it this way.. Yeah we're out there maybe inconveniencing you, but you either called us there yourself, had someone call on your behalf, or did something that brought us to the scene (i.e. speeding) so copping an attitude and getting back at the cop for being stern with you doesnt bode well on your behalf. Just really kinda makes you look imature....

See, that's the thing. Like he said, if he did something egregiously wrong, such as speeding, he would not even think about copping an attitude. He would have to be an ass of an ass to do that. It's the fact that he was pulled over for something as seemingly harmless as flashing his lights. Yeah, he should have kept himself in check, but c'est la vie. This is not a situation where he was actin an ass and then demanding a reason for being pulled over. So let's not paint a different picture is all.

And, yes, of course, not all cops are bad. On the contrary, they're just like the rest of us and do, in fact, try to be understanding, unless you get on their bad side or catch them at the wrong time (just like the rest of us). Anyway. Blah. No mas. I'm gonna go watch bird poop dry in the sun.

[RunningOnEMT]

Originally Posted by atdeneve

See, that's the thing. Like he said, if he did something egregiously wrong, such as speeding, he would not even think about copping an attitude. He would have to be an ass of an ass to do that. It's the fact that he was pulled over for something as seemingly harmless as flashing his lights. Yeah, he should have kept himself in check, but c'est la vie. This is not a situation where he was actin an ass and then demanding a reason for being pulled over.

And, yes, of course, not all cops are bad. On the contrary, they're just like the rest of us, and do try to be understanding, unless you get on their bad side or catch them at the wrong time (just like the rest of us). Anyway. Blah. No mas.

Maybe its just me but i've known since i was a wee tike that warning oncoming motorists of a speed trap is illegal. do i do it? sure i do, cuz i'm a nice guy. but if i get pulled over for it am i going to act a fool and do more stuff just giving the cop a reason to use Mr. Radio to call in for a street race pursuit?

nope... my radio moves MUCH faster than i can... trust me, can't outrun that no matter how much get upa nd go your V has.

I'm just saying, yes there are power trippy cops out therebut knowing the laws is a good thing, when you're educated you can make the decision knowingly to break them but you ahve no excuse to act the fool when you get caught.

I've just seen far too many immature people on my responses, moms with 70k escalades in the driveway that live in decrepit houses and "cant afford" tylenol for their kid who has a 103 fever. Drunken motorists that want to hit me because i'm trying to bandage a wound or splint a leg and it hurts. shit like that so people being idiots to first responders and cops tweaks my idiot buttons bigtime.

[MauiV]

I have no problem being a dick to a dick with a badge. if Im getting a ticket, Im saying my peace too. I know too many cops who were like way too many Marines I know. Douche bags that got beat up daily in HS and now want the respect they "deserve". Now they are gonna get it one way or another.

I also know some really great guys that are cops (including our former State Trooper Commandant) and some genuine bad ass Marines but the bad apples can definitely spoil the bunch.

Go catch a criminal instead of using a dozen cops on a turnabout on the feeder roads in Houston to check for inspection stickers and seatbelts. What a waste of manpower and money.

BTW, the worst cops I have EVER come across are Shenandoah, Texas. They support their hole in the wall town by ticketing their fine neighbors of The Woodlands relentlessly.

[ctsv154]

I guess you dont realize how many felony stops police get off inspection stickers, seatbelt stops and just stupid stuff? Yeah it may inconvenience you but get over yourself. Your not any better than anybody else.

The police officers dont know anything about the car or the driver they stop. You could be an innocent motorist just on your daily commute to work or you could be hauling 1.2 million dollars and a trunk full of dope. (this was an actual stop by an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman on one of our turnpikes).

Most of the criminals the police catch are for something stupid on the road. Like flashing their lights after going threw an area were police are sitting in plain sight.

For instance. In OK its against the law to drive with your fog lights on within 300ft of oncoming traffic. My dad pulls over ever car he sees with fog lights on unless its actually foggy. Granted, not every driver is a "criminal" but he has made several felony stops including robbery, burglary, dui, and MURDER all just from people being ignorant to the laws.

I'm so sick of hearing everybody's whinny ass bitching. The truth is you probably deserve more than what you got.

[type911]

Originally Posted by atdeneve

Um, okay. Why don't you be so kind as to enlighten me with the proper definition of a speed trap?

I was not trying to piss you off. I was simply stating the op
was incorrect in that it was not a speed trap. Feel free to look up what an actual speed trap is.

Originally Posted by atdeneve

Regardless of the semantics, he did specifically state it was a speed trap in his very first sentence. Moreover, the impetus behind said operation did not, at all, seem to be rooted in the assured safety of motorists, but rather ensuring that a quota was met - revenue.

Yes the op was incorrect in defining what said officers were engaged in. A safety operation ensures people are traveling the posted safe speed limit and that stopped vehicles are indeed inspected and safe to be on the road and that the driver is not impaired. You can speculate all you want about conspiracy theories of revenue generation.

Originally Posted by atdeneve

If it was just a safety check, why the hell did the officer go out of his way to pull him over, only to explicitly point out that the seemingly benign act of flashing his lights was illegal, since it was, in this case, apparently used to warn others of law enforcement. He was obviously bothered only by the fact that a civilian motorist was attempting to warn others to his presence.

The Op was not stopped by any officer immediately involved in the operation. As I read it, he was stopped by an officer up the road who saw his flash. You can speculate as to the officers intentions all you want. They get paid to uphold the laws of your elected officials. He was doing just that.

Originally Posted by atdeneve

If safety was the primary concern, his presence being known would not be an issue. The presence of law officials is one of the simplest and most effective deterents to any behavior that would jeopardize safety, so ... safety checks, my ass.

If that was the case then people would never get pulled over and cited.

Originally Posted by atdeneve

It's pretty clear that their operation was rooted in revenue building, not the safety concerns of traveling motorists. I'd be willing to bet that, although the average speed of the cars on that roadway may have been above the speed limit, the flow of traffic was uniform and that there was no threat to safety.

Were you there, or are you speculating again?

Originally Posted by atdeneve

So, is that fair and just enforcement of the law or is it a gross misuse of the law to generate revenue? Raise your hand, if you think it's the latter. Let me see some hands, please (unless you wanna get bitch slapped by a baaaaad mamba jamba).

If your that upset over enforcement practices write your elected officials. I live in Mass with Florida plates. I break the traffic laws as much as anyone else. Been pulled over many times but have talked my way out of many tickets by being polite

Originally Posted by atdeneve

So, regardless of semantics, it's bullshit.

Says you. Maybe there are many speed related accidents on that stretch of rd. I don't know...do you?

Originally Posted by atdeneve

But, again, please do educate me as to what makes this operation exclude itself from what would normally be termed a speed trap.

I am not here to educate anyone. Just simply stating my point of view like yourself. However the traffic and enforcement laws of KS and MO can be found on the net. Feel free to do some research. Took me less than 10 minutes to find the definitions and statutes.

[dkozloski]

There must be a hundred guys who have posted on this forum how their stupidity got them a ticket then act all injured and abused when you don't sympathize with them. There are people who have respect for the law and people who don't. Trying to talk somebody into switching groups is a total waste of time. A scofflaw once, a scofflaw forever.

[LUVMY04V]

Originally Posted by dkozloski

There must be a hundred guys who have posted on this forum how their stupidity got them a ticket then act all injured and abused when you don't sympathize with them. There are people who have respect for the law and people who don't. Trying to talk somebody into switching groups is a total waste of time. A scofflaw once, a scofflaw forever.

'

you must admit koz some laws are dumb though

example (tint at 30%, front licence plates, jaywalking in rural areas, small time gambeling example college basketball brackets, Seatbelt tickets..... after all its not a communist country and it doesnt negativly effect anyone else but yourself )

its just some laws are dumb and some made just to get revenue for the state

however sometimes i think communism would be better for the general public than capitolism LOL (no i dont want it though)

[type911]

Originally Posted by LUVMY04V

'



however sometimes i think communism would be better for the general public than capitolism LOL (no i dont want it though)

On paper Communism looks better than capitalism...In practice, not so much. LoL

[dkozloski]

Contrary to popular opinion, most if not all, traffic laws are written in blood. They get written in response to horrendous accidents or situations that are preventable. Seat belt laws are an example. If you are too stupid to wear your seatbelt and scramble your brains as a result, the taxpayers get to pay $1,000,000 to keep your sorry ass on life support for the next 50 years after your own family becomes destitute first. Dark tint on the windows makes a LEO a target in a shooting gallery. Some of the most horrendous pedestrian accidents in Alaska have occurred in rural situations. A guy that lived just down the street from me came home and announced to his family that he'd lost the house and his Ford dealership in a crap game and they'd have to be out of the house by the next day. The law you object to may not apply directly to you at any given moment but it's out there for a reason. Part of growing up and achieving maturity is realizing this.

[dkozloski]

The biggest single thing I remember about the collapse of the Soviet Union was this big sign that a bunch of people were carrying in a demonstration in Moscow that said "Seventy Years on the Road to Nowhere". That tells you all you need to know about communism.

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by FIVEOH!!!

I can see some of you being like this... and me being this guy...

Jeebus - some freaking people. Props to that officer.

[LUVMY04V]

Originally Posted by dkozloski

Contrary to popular opinion, most if not all, traffic laws are written in blood. They get written in response to horrendous accidents or situations that are preventable. Seat belt laws are an example. If you are too stupid to wear your seatbelt and scramble your brains as a result, the taxpayers get to pay $1,000,000 to keep your sorry ass on life support for the next 50 years after your own family becomes destitute first. Dark tint on the windows makes a LEO a target in a shooting gallery. Some of the most horrendous pedestrian accidents in Alaska have occurred in rural situations. A guy that lived just down the street from me came home and announced to his family that he'd lost the house and his Ford dealership in a crap game and they'd have to be out of the house by the next day. The law you object to may not apply directly to you at any given moment but it's out there for a reason. Part of growing up and achieving maturity is realizing this.

your damn creative ill give you that koz

oh and about the commi talk like i said i do not want it Trust me I am intellegent and my kind does much better with capitolism

I capitlize on my smarts

[thebigjimsho]

Originally Posted by RunningOnEMT

Maybe its just me but i've known since i was a wee tike that warning oncoming motorists of a speed trap is illegal.

Not everywhere...

[thebigjimsho]

Originally Posted by RunningOnEMT

Being an emergency responder myself, let me put it this way.. Yeah we're out there maybe inconveniencing you, but you either called us there yourself, had someone call on your behalf, or did something that brought us to the scene (i.e. speeding)

Now, here's my beef. I speed all the time. I drive clients around all day long. If it's 55MPH, I do near 70. If it's 65MPH, I do near 75. If I have no clients, I routinely do 80. As for being an EMT, I'd like to hear how many times you had to respond to a responsible speeder. I'd guess it would be near 0%.

Those who do highway speeds in populated neighborhoods: stupid.
Those who speed and tailgate in high congestion: stupid.
Those who speed and are drunk: monumentally stupid.
Those who speed and multitask: stupid.
Those who speed at a very high rate: stupid.

My problem is the NHTSA and many lobbyist groups talk about speeding this and speeding that and throw the term speeding in anything that involves going 1MPH or more over the limit. Almost every report will have speeding. But what was a bigger cause, the speeding or impairment by alcohol, speeding or not knowing how to handle your car, speeding or lack of attention? There is quite a difference between speeding responsibly and speeding recklessly. Because, you see, limits that were set decades ago don't necessarily apply to today's vehicles. You can call me out for being rebellious and a scofflaw, but I know what I'm doing. And I know how to control and maneuver a vehicle to stay out of accidents. And I do it well...