• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Traffic cop tried to screw me up just now

OS

OS

Lifer
I was coming back from dinner just now and this cop said I almost hit him when I changed lane without signaling. I didn't signal because I didn't see anyone around, including him. It's like 11 PM and there were no other cars on the street. I asked him where he was repeatedly and he wouldn't answer, until he finally threatened to arrest me saying I wasn't signing the ticket. I accuse him of malicious arrest and then he backs down. After I sign it, he says he was "probably" driving in my blind spot for over a quarter mile on a residential street.

I mean, by the letter of the law, I am wrong, but this cop was a serious dick to be following me around in my blindspot for several blocks when the streets are completely empty and then threatening to arrest me when I ask why he was doing that. If I complain to the department, will it do anything?

This sucks, I worked for 12 hrs today then this.
 
Look at it this way--let's say you and some other guy were driving down the street. The only two cars are you and this other guy. Said other guy cuts in front of you without using his signal. Now imagine you have the authority to pull this person over and cite them for doing so.
 
I find it difficult to believe that you didn't notice another car in your blind spot after a quarter mile... But I guess if he was there to ticket you, that must be the case. It just seems like you'd have heard the engine, at least.

Did he have no headlights?
 
Originally posted by: bradruth
Look at it this way--let's say you and some other guy were driving down the street. The only two cars are you and this other guy. Said other guy cuts in front of you without using his signal. Now imagine you have the authority to pull this person over and cite them for doing so.
Click to expand...

I don't ever drive in anyone's blindspot for more than 1 or 2 seconds. It's asking for trouble regardless of if the other car uses their signal or not.

 
Originally posted by: Ikonomi
I find it difficult to believe that you didn't notice another car in your blind spot after a quarter mile... But I guess if he was there to ticket you, that must be the case. It just seems like you'd have heard the engine, at least.

Did he have no headlights?
Click to expand...

That's why I kept asking him where he was, I almost always know about all other cars around me. It's a new car, the sound insulation is good. I did notice his lights were really dim, I think he might have been driving around with only his parking lights on.
 
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: bradruth
Look at it this way--let's say you and some other guy were driving down the street. The only two cars are you and this other guy. Said other guy cuts in front of you without using his signal. Now imagine you have the authority to pull this person over and cite them for doing so.
Click to expand...

I don't ever drive in anyone's blindspot for more than 1 or 2 seconds. It's asking for trouble regardless of if the other car uses their signal or not.
Click to expand...

I have no explanation as to why he would be driving there.
 
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: Ikonomi
I find it difficult to believe that you didn't notice another car in your blind spot after a quarter mile... But I guess if he was there to ticket you, that must be the case. It just seems like you'd have heard the engine, at least.

Did he have no headlights?
Click to expand...

That's why I kept asking him where he was, I almost always know about all other cars around me. It's a new car, the sound insulation is good. I did notice his lights were really dim, I think he might have been driving around with only his parking lights on.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it seems weird. Like I said, I guess if he was there to ticket you he had to have been nearby, but that's really quite stealthy. 😛 I dunno.
 
Originally posted by: amdskip
I always use my turn signals, it's the law. Are you really that lazy that you won't use them?
Click to expand...

What difference would it have made if I had used my turn signal? I did glance over my shoulder but didn't see anything. For several blocks I didn't think anyone was in that spot so even if I had used my signal, I still would have almost hit him.
 
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: amdskip
I always use my turn signals, it's the law. Are you really that lazy that you won't use them?
Click to expand...

What difference would it have made if I had used my turn signal? I did glance over my shoulder but didn't see anything. For several blocks I didn't think anyone was in that spot so even if I had used my signal, I still would have almost hit him.
Click to expand...

Wait...how could you not notice him at some point? Like, when you turned onto the road, or when he did...you'd think at some point he would have been visible.
 
Originally posted by: her209
Why didn't you use your blinker? Always use your blinker (even if "no one" is around).
Click to expand...

You were wrong (by the law), while the cop wasn't (again by the law). You don't stand too many chances. Sorry
 
Originally posted by: dethman
Originally posted by: OS
If I complain to the department, will it do anything?
Click to expand...

no, cops are dicks and stick by each other.
Click to expand...

true!!!!

I have been involved in two collisions where police broke traffic laws and hit me on MY PEDAL POWERED BICYCLE. In both instances I was threatened with tickets rather than have the department own up to any responsibility
 
Originally posted by: Farkshiatdamn
I only use my turn signals when I deem it to be appropriate.
Click to expand...

see, that's just stupid...you never know when it could save you from an accident.

ALWAYS signal. ALWAYS.
 
Try to appeal the ticket. If he doesn't bother to show up, you win. If he shows up, it's your chance to tell the judge your story. I wonder how much the ticket will be for not signaling.


---
 
Well, if he's an annoying stalker cop, I'd try to resist somehow. Continuances, etc. If they're gonna be a b1tch to you, be one back.

By stalker cop I mean cop that follows you WAITING for you to make a mistake. They do this to younger people all the time. Follow, waiting for a mistake, so they can pull you over and ask to search your vehicle. You say no you're held supposedly for reasonable suspicion or something like that until they get a warrant. Nothing will save you by the way. If a cop like this wants to pull you over they'll run your plate for bad info, or just pull you over and say something like "your tire pressure seemed a little low, it has to be xx psi". I've actually heard that one personally.


If he's not an insane cop, see if it's a moving violation. If it is, make sure it's reduced to something that won't go on your record. If it's not a moving violation, pay the fine (probably $50?) and move on.
 
Originally posted by: amdforever2
Well, if he's an annoying stalker cop, I'd try to resist somehow. Continuances, etc. If they're gonna be a b1tch to you, be one back.

By stalker cop I mean cop that follows you WAITING for you to make a mistake. They do this to younger people all the time. Follow, waiting for a mistake, so they can pull you over and ask to search your vehicle. You say no you're held supposedly for reasonable suspicion or something like that until they get a warrant. Nothing will save you by the way. If a cop like this wants to pull you over they'll run your plate for bad info, or just pull you over and say something like "your tire pressure seemed a little low, it has to be xx psi". I've actually heard that one personally.


If he's not an insane cop, see if it's a moving violation. If it is, make sure it's reduced to something that won't go on your record. If it's not a moving violation, pay the fine (probably $50?) and move on.
Click to expand...

lol, that is harsh...getting pulled over only to learn that your tire pressure is low. 😕
 
It's called the lifesaver glance in the UK. What you do is check your blind spot before moving to another lane or whatever, then the chances of killing a guy on a motorbike or hitting another car are much slimmer.

It's a good habit to get into...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top