So here’s the answer. Apparently, one of the most common traffic tickets issued to California drivers is for the rolling stop. When drivers approach a stop sign, they are supposed to come to a complete stop. Not fully stopping can pose a danger to other drivers as well as to pedestrians. That’s why police are cracking down on those of us rollers. After all, if there are no other cars in an intersection, there is no one to completely stop for, right? So, it’s safe. You actually yielded. But your car didn’t “settle” behind the crosswalk line before you left the stop sign or turned right at a red light. So, more police officers are stopping cars that roll through stop signs and red lights without completely stopping. These tickets are costly and can jack up your insurance rates by adding points to your driving record. To remove these points, you can attend a defensive driving school. And the traffic fine should also be reduced if you attend a class. If you have camera lights in your neck of the woods, a majority of those are a result of a rolling stop at an intersection. But those are a civil offense, like a parking ticket and will not go on your driving record. Those affect your registration (license plate), not your driver license.

As a driver, you need to know that speeding is not the only common moving violation now. Coasting through a stop sign or red light instead of making a full stop could result in an accident which is why rolling stop violations are taken very seriously.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Rolling Stop – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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And, I will make an effort to become a better driver. I really need to set a better example for my defensive driving students in 2014. Yes, I joke about being pulled over and getting one ticket in 2013. And I joke about getting out of another ticket in 2013. And, it’s all true. It really happened. But prior to 2013, I hadn’t gotten a ticket in nearly 26 years. Of course, the ticket I received this year was on my way to teach a defensive driving class. I took a right turn at a stop sign and didn’t stop long enough for my car to “settle.” Three seconds is what they teach in driver’s education now. The law doesn’t indicate that you have to stop for a period of “time” but that your car has to “settle.” So, three seconds will ensure that your car has settled. That’s not a bad habit to get into. I think I’ve got that one down, now that I’ve paid my dues for my mistake. And, I didn’t tell the police officer that I taught defensive driving in an attempt to get out of my ticket. I didn’t want to get a lecture. I was already detained enough. Then, this summer, I got out of a ticket because I told the trooper I teach defensive driving. He pulled me over because he said I didn’t signal. I did signal, but I shut it off before I completed my lane change. I knew exactly what I did wrong. One of my big pet peeves is the “eternal signaler.” Someone who forgets their turn signal is on and leaves it on for eternity. So, I have a bad habit of keeping my hand on my turn signal and shutting it off prematurely so I don’t forget about it and leave it on. It’s a habit that I am still trying to break, so that is going on this year’s resolution list as well. I told that trooper that I was so embarrassed. I teach defensive driving and I always lecture my students to use their signal at all times. Even when no one is around. Even when they’re pulling into their own darned driveway. Because cops write piddly little tickets for piddly little stuff. He said “Really? You say that to your students?” And he let me go without a lecture or a ticket.

I also need to take better care of my car. Of course, I do the basics…oil changes, fluids, belts and hoses. But I really need to flush my radiator, rotate my tires, balance them and a few other things that I haven’t been doing. And, I need to drive the speed limit, even at the risk of making other people angry. So, happy new year everyone. I hope 2014 is a good year for us all.

Until next year…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Happy New Year – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Things have changed since back in the day when officers would ask you the typical “License and registration, please.” And I learned a long time ago, not to ask him to hold your beer for you while you get it out of your glove box. Do they even call it a glove box anymore? It’s more like a beer cooler now, isn’t it?? Or maybe it’s a gun locker for some. That’s why they don’t want you reaching into your glove box when you get pulled over. They are trained to get real squirrelly when you do stuff like that. So, what to do when you get pulled over by the police? The first thing you need to do so you don’t get a second ticket is to put on your turn signal. Move as far to the right as possible and as quickly as possible. This is for two reasons, so you are as close to the point of the alleged violation as possible and so the officer doesn’t think you are trying to flee. Roll all of your windows down enough where the officer can see into the car. This way, they can see that there are no hidden threats. If it is evening, turn on your interior lights. And don’t forget to cut the engine. Do not get out of your car unless they instruct you to do so. Put both hands on the steering wheel, hands open so they can see that you are not concealing anything in a closed fist. Wait until they ask you for your drivers license before you reach for your purse or your wallet. The officer may scan your registration sticker from inside the car, so he/she may reach inside to do so. They may ask you for your current liability insurance card or they may not if they have already ran a search for that while they were tailing you. So, generally they already know if you have current coverage or not. If they ask you for your insurance card, they may be comparing the address on that with your drivers license address. If they differ, he/she will ask you which address is correct. Because you have only an allotted time to make an address change on your drivers license, you may be issued another ticket for that. Remember, no sudden moves. If you are nervous, try to remain calm and don’t panic. After all, it’s only a routine traffic stop…not the end of the world.

So, if you don’t want to even risk being pulled over by the police, follow these simple rules:
• Don’t speed.
• Don’t talk on the phone or text while driving.
• Do stop at stop signs (for 3 seconds).
• Do stop at a red light before turning right on red (for 3 seconds).
• Don’t do illegal U-turns, even if you don’t see a squad car.
• Do make sure all lights work, brake lights, tail lights and license plate light(s).
• Do keep your registration, insurance and inspections all up to date.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Don’t cut someone off (or make an improper lane change).
• Don’t hang out in the left lane, it’s for passing only.
• Don’t drive too slow for the flow of traffic.
• Don’t squeal your tires.

And, for Pete’s sake, don’t argue with the cop…especially a lady cop…it ain’t gonna work.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Comedienne / Writer / Artist

What To Do – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Pulled Over By The Police – What To Do appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

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