Speeding Towards Frustration
Graphic By: Rachel Thomason

Ok, I admit it. I speed occasionally. While driving, I let people in, stop for pedestrians, and always use my turn signals. All in all, I consider myself a responsible driver. So why am I telling you this? After four years of responsible driving, I got my first ticket. If indeed I speed occasionally, why am I complaining? Well, it wasn't exactly my fault.

I was driving south on Interstate 81, when a white Bronco suddenly appeared behind me. Normally, I would have moved over to let the impatient driver pass, but, as luck would have it, there were 2 trucks to my right. Rather than understanding that I couldn't physically get out of his way, the driver sped up and tailgated me. He was so close that I think I could have read his VIN number.

The man got closer and closer and forced me to speed up to avoid getting hit by his SUV. Finally, I got a break. The first truck slowed down, and I saw my chance. I sped up even more, passed the trucks, and got over to get away from the OJ wannabe. Just as I thought it was all over, I saw the dreaded blue lights of a state trooper's car.

I guess the officer saw the glare I was giving the inpatient driver and decided to pull me over. I figured I could calmly explain the situation to the officer and shortly be on my way. I was wrong. Not only did he not care about what had just happened, he left as I was speaking to him to look at the front of my car. Because my sexy car is a 1989 brown Dodge Colt, I figured something was wrong. After circling my car, not once, but twice, I got a chance to ask the officer what was wrong. I expected an answer like "your bumper is falling off" or "you left your transmission at exit 205" when he replied "I was just looking for something else I could ticket you for." I was so stunned I just sat there as he wrote my ticket.

I was sober, polite, and had no negative marks on my record. I felt, and still feel, that the officer's behavior was a little disrespectful and less than helpful at most. He even gave me grief about the car's registration. It is registered to my mom who shares my address, and last and middle name. The car was obviously not stolen.

Although I was speeding, there should be exceptions to the rule. Oh, and to the gentleman in the white Bronco: I hope whatever it was that you were in such a hurry for was worth it. It sure wasn't for me.

Responses:
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Name: jeff
Comments:
I agree with BEEN THERE and the previous poster. I know how scary it is to be tailgated, especially if you drive like me, the needle exactly at 35 or 65 or whatever. The point is, You Broke The Law when the other driver broke the law. Two wrongs don't make a right. Not only that, the officer was going above and beyond the call of duty to look over your car. Even the smallest little piece of trim can cause a driver to swerve and hit someone else. A burnt out tail-light often goes unnoticed by the driver for a long time, that can cause an entire pile-up. You committed a primary violation and it is his job to look for a secondary one. Welcome to the road.

Comments:
nobody stepped on that gas peddle but you. The cop was just doing his job. next time slow down and move over, that is the legal way to handle the situation

Name: Jason
Year: Junior
Major: MSTD
Comments:
I feel your pain Rachel I have had several tickets but they have been redicous. The highest speeding ticket that I have ever had was 8 miles over the speed limit I'm not saying that I never drive faster but I am saying that there are millions of people who travel way more than 8 miles of over the speed limit. So that really sucks that I break the rule for a minute and I have cops on my like white on rice...uh And my conversation are simuluar to yours where once they have me the reckless driver that I am over they just hunt and peck for something else to ticket me about. I think the fact that we are younger and in college we catch a bad wrap and that many our out to teach us youngsters a lesson. Well I've learned my lesson, NEVER trust a cop and run from the authorty do you think this was the lesson intended?

Name: BEEN THERE
Year: Sophomore
Major: undecided
Comments:
Rachel, Why are you so upset? You were speeding, you let another driver influence your ability to make good judgement which puts not only yourself but other's in danger. The officer was doing his job. He's not supposed to give you slack b/c you're a female or b/c you supposedly had no other choice. If someone tailgates me and there is not room for me to change lanes I just keep going until I can get over. Let them ride your bumber. Don't put your life in danger b/c they don't know how to maintain a safe distance. I will agree that the officer may have been a little disrespectful in saying what he did but life isn't fair. Learn from this.

Comments:
I could see how the cop might have come off like a jerk. But from his angle, he might have been thinking he'd help you out. (i'll explain)

You typically hear "I was just looking for something else I could ticket you for." when they realize that they goofed and want to let you off on a lesser charge.

When they pull you over, they somehow feel the need to be right. Even if it's for a busted headlight. And in VA, if you're over 80 mph, they're required to do something about it (pulling you over).

Sounds like you got the rough end of the deal. Maybe a broken bumper could have saved you after all. =)

Comments:
Next time, just let Bronco- man hit you... He's at fault, and YOU get insurance money. Brake check, anyone??