APD Zone 2 Fangirl Report – Traffic

Back again – after my third Citizen’s Police Academy class. For those of you who immediately picture me on a Segway doing my best Paul Blart Mall Cop impersonation – just stop it! This is serious stuff!

This week’s class focused on traffic stops, fugitives and special victims unit. Definitely not the sexier parts of the class, but some interesting take always for sure.

First let’s talk traffic stops – the only interaction most of us have with police so let’s know how to handle them. But first a few stats: something like 80% of traffic stops are about cellphone use, and the other two biggies are not wearing seatbelts and speeding. Come on y’all SEATBELTS – how is this even still a thing? I can’t even drive without mine on!

We pause here for a public service announcement: The super speeder fine of $200 kicks in at 15mph over the limit not 20 like some of us (me) thought! Oopsie

Now, back to regular programming – how to behave during a traffic stop. The moral of the story is generally just do what the officer is telling you to do and don’t be a complete jackass… but don’t be a pushover either… it is a balance.

The reason for this – the officer pulling you over has the discretion to take you to jail for the violation they pulled you over for – period full stop. That ticket you get is essentially a promise to take care of the violation later. If the officer doesn’t feel like you are going to take care of it then they can — and will — graciously ensure you do so by escorting you to jail. There is an awful lot of judgement and gray area here which contributes to the heated discussions around DWB (driving while black) and profiling .

BUT… you have rights too and need to trust your gut.

If a situation feels “hinkey” you can say no, you can ask for a supervisor and you can even call 911 if there is something not right about the stop. If the cop wants to search your car you can — and should  — SAY NO. And always, always, always turn on your phone to record the interaction. There is no reason for an officer to have a problem with that. There’s even a shortcut on your iPhone you can use to do it.

A few other interesting tidbits:

• Some states do not share traffic info with Georgia. So if you have warrants, tickets, etc. from Michigan, California Wisconsin, to Alaska and you get pulled over in Georgia the officer has no clue about your history in those states…ummmm WTF?
• HOV lanes count any human being as a rider. So, no, the dog doesn’t count. Georgia helping increase carpooling… sigh.
• You can ride in the back of a pickup truck if you are over 18, but never on the highway. How do you like that high standard for your safety?

And there you have it on traffic… not so boring after all.