Following the Rules of the Road
I recently had a conversation with my 17-year-old son about his opinion on policing in America. We watched a video involving a female driver who refused to give the officer her license, name, and any personal information. The officer explained she was driving 78 mph in a 45-mph zone. She argued that other cars were passing her, and she insisted on seeing the proof that she was driving that fast. The officer explained several times the reason for the stop, but the driver claimed she did nothing wrong and was being harassed. When this course of action failed, she then demanded a supervisor. The officer contacted his supervisor, and she arrived on the scene. The officer and the female subject were given an opportunity to tell their side of the story.
The supervisor advised that the stop was legal, and she would receive a citation, but she must give the officer her information. She was given one more chance to comply which she refused and was subsequently removed from her car and arrested. Her identification was found and upon checking with records they found she had no driver’s license (suspended for two DUI), no insurance, no registration, and an active warrant for battery.
I asked my son how the officer should have handled this matter, and he stated that she could be having a crisis. I asked him how he would have handled the call if he were in the officer’s place. I reminded him that he is now the owner of a vehicle and how would he react if this person hit his car P# 17827 and kept going or if your car was destroyed. His response to me was, “I guess that’s why we have rules,” but his question to me was, “What do you do if not everyone follows the rules?” I explained that this is why we need laws and officers to enforce them.
I live near a school zone, and it is disheartening to witness cars speed or drive recklessly in a zone clearly marked for the safety of kids attending school. As we begin another school year, I am reminded of the young lady from Arbor View High school who was killed by a drunk, reckless, and dangerous driver. Let’s all take the time to be extra careful this year and set a goal to not have any fatalities in or near a school this year. Slow down and take that extra second to ensure the safety of our valley and its citizens. As adults – especially those of us in law enforcement – we should take extra precautions to ensure our kids are safe. My wish for this year is that no parent has to bury their child due to the recklessness of someone driving horribly. Parents, please speak to your kids and ensure they understand the danger that comes with driving a
vehicle. A wise man once said, “The driver on the highway is safe not when he reads the signs, but when he obeys them.”