Published on Sunday, March 18, 2007
in the Miami Herald

Advice on what to do when pulled over

This weekly column is supplied by Citizens' Crime Watch of Miami-Dade and is intended to provide information that will help readers in their efforts to be safe.

T his past week I received a call from a young lady who had been pulled over by a police officer -- no need to mention the department -- and she was a little confused about what one needs to do and don't do in such a situation. She admitted to speeding and was not challenging the ticket, but she wanted to know when those flashing lights come up behind you what you need to do for your safety and that of the officer.

I asked a couple of traffic officers, police officers and even a Florida Highway Patrol trooper for their advice, and here is what they suggested:

• Pull over as soon as possible. As soon as you even think that you may be the one the patrol car is after, pull over. That will acknowledge that you have seen the lights.

• Always pull over to the right side of the roadway. On divided highways, signal and safely move over to the far right lane and then to the shoulder. When you come to a complete stop, choose a section of roadway that has a full shoulder, without guard rails, if possible. Pulling over on the left may obstruct traffic, and pulling over next to a guard rail may make it difficult for the officer to safely approach your car.

• Know where your paperwork is. Usually, when an officer first pulls you over, he or she will ask for your driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance. Most people are nervous, and the officers understand that so don't get angry if you can't find it. All motorists should have those documents together in case of an accident. Check your wallet or purse today to see whether if you have it all in one place.

• Make the officer feel safe. If you are pulled over at night, turn your dome light on. I always tell drivers, especially young ones, to keep their hands in sight on the steering wheel. Don't make any unnecessary movements. Remember, the officer doesn't have a clue as to who you are. Roll your window down all the way. Stay in the car unless the officer tells you to step out. Use common sense: He or she is as nervous as you.

• Let the officer speak first. Keep calm, even if you're upset about being stopped. Don't jump out of the car screaming; that can cause an uncomfortable situation for you and the officer. Let him or her speak to you first, and don't argue. Challenging the officer is not recommended. He is only doing his job. Let him explain why you were stopped -- and we all know when we are speeding, cutting off people, and so on -- so chill until he is finished.

• Check your tag. I tell people during my presentations to check their tags weekly because car thieves love to steal tags and replace them with stolen ones -- without your noticing the exchange.Sometimes officers have sheets of stolen tags and innocent people may be stopped for that reason.

• Set a court date. If you are issued a ticket and wish to contest it, set a date in court. Fill out the reverse side of the ticket and send it in. You will then have time to calmly explain your position in court.

Most of all, think of all the police officers who have been killed during a simple traffic stop. I can tell you from my experience when I used to ride along with Hialeah police officers that traffic stops scared me the most.

I hope you never get stopped, and you won't if you obey the law, but, if you do, keep in mind your safety and that of the officer.

Until next week be safe -- and wear that seat belt.