Traffic Stop
It is not very common for drivers to highlight their days with a police traffic stop. It can be emotional for any road user to be called by a siren that comes with the flashing blue and red lights on the road. But there are things that a driver should consider to handle a routine traffic stop. A driver who had driving education from a certified driving school will surely have basic ideas to take care of such situation. Take note that a traffic officer is authorized to make a warning, write a citation or even permit you to drive again without being fined. The way behave towards a traffic stop can make a difference between a ticket and a warning.
When you are stopped by a traffic officer, make sure to acknowledge his call promptly by turning on your right signal. You should do this even if you don’t find it easy to pull off the road instantly. This allows the officer to know that you are cooperating with the stop. This driver courtesy comes as you were educated by a driving school course before you get yourself on the road. When you get the chance, pull off the road. The officer will always appreciate your demonstration of his safety.
When you have stopped your car, stay inside and wait for the officer to approach you. Moving the door immediately may push the officer to make a defensive response so instruct your passengers to stay in their seats also. A prior knowledge about this is available in any driving school course. When the officer reaches your vehicle, prepare all necessary documents that include a proof of insurance, driver’s license and your car’s registration. When you place these papers in a glove compartment, let the officer know this so he won’t think negatively as you reach for these documents.
In a traffic stop, you may be asked some probative questions by the officer that usually starts with why you were stopped. Take note that your answer will affect your conviction in the later court proceeding so it makes sense not to incriminate information in such situation. If you are a driving school graduate, you will know the importance of the simple yes or no answer in a traffic stop.
When the officer has gotten all relevant information from you, you should expect a substantial delay before the officer comes back to you. It’s important that you use your driving school education to stay calm and not to make any move that will make the situation complicated. Keep in mind that if you are overly emotional you will likely to get an overly emotional response from the officer.
When the officer returns to you, you should listen carefully to what he is telling you. If he will issue a warning, show gratitude and promise to be more careful in your maneuver. For sure, you learn about this calm behavior from you driving school lessons. If you will be issued with a citation, the officer will let you know of your offenses. You can ask the officer about a certain offense that you did not understand. You should know that it is still possible for the officer to add charges to your ticket so make sure to control your emotions.
A driving school education will let you know that it is important to demonstrate courtesy to all people on the road. Make sure you have all necessary documents that permit you to drive your vehicle so you will not have additional charges.
