The average driver tends to get pulled over at least a couple of times in his lifetime, though for some people, getting pulled over can become a frequent occurrence. From speeding to illegally passing to displaying signs of driving under the influence, a person can get pulled over for a variety of reasons. In some situations, the driver in question is perfectly guilty and deserves to be stopped in his tracks. However, a person can also easily get pulled over for something that, in reality, he didn’t do.
Whether you are actually “guilty” or not, it is important to know just how to react to getting pulled over to avoid making the situation even worse. Elliot Wiesner is an attorney who has been helping New Jersey residents fight an array of traffic violations for over a decade. He offers the following advice as to what drivers should do upon getting pulled over:
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
People who get pulled over have a tendency to immediately reach for the glove compartment upon seeing an officer approach. While the intent might be to expeditiously locate those documents that the officer is likely to ask for, sometimes, such an act can backfire and serve to put the officer on edge. After all, an officer has no way of knowing whether you’re actually reaching for your insurance card, or for a weapon. To avoid confusion, it is best that you keep your hands where the officer can see them until you are asked to produce any additional information. While some officers might seem abrasive, it is not against the law to have to dig through your glove compartment to find the appropriate documentation. It’s better to keep the officer waiting for those 10 extra seconds than to run the risk of leading him to believe that you’re about to spring a weapon on him.
Stay inside your vehicle
If you get pulled over, then do not attempt to leave your vehicle unless the officer specifically instructs you to do so. An officer can easily regard such a move as an act of aggression, and one that can get you into even more trouble for no good reason. It’s best that you stay calm and stay put unless the officer tells you otherwise.
Be polite and respectful
People who get pulled over have a natural tendency to get defensive, whether or not they are actually in the right. It can be especially difficult for a person to keep his cool if he’s been pulled over for actually doing nothing wrong. However, regardless of the circumstances, if you get pulled over, then it is important that you address the officer calmly and with the utmost respect. Talking back to an officer or being rude will only make the situation worse. If you do happen to find yourself accused of something that you did not do, then try to stay calm while you explain your side of the story. In situations where the officer is not 100% certain that you did something wrong, a polite explanation might be enough to convince him that you are, in fact, innocent. On the other hand, a raised voice or disrespectful attitude might tip the officer over the edge in an unfavorable direction.
Lower the radio
If the radio happens to be playing loudly when you get pulled over, then it’s a good idea to turn it down as the officer approaches. Some officers might associate a blasting radio with a reckless, insolent attitude; others might just get put off by the difficulty in hearing your responses. Many cars come equipped with steering wheel controls for the radio, and it is best to use these when lowering the volume so that your hands can remain on the wheel. If you do need to reach for that control knob, then keep one hand on the steering wheel as you use the other to make the necessary adjustments.
Your reaction to getting pulled over can greatly impact the outcome of the scenario. It might be easier said than done, but when an officer approaches, you should keep your pride and your attitude in check, and address the officer with respect. By ignoring these guidelines and doing the opposite, you’re likely to make an already uncomfortable situation exceedingly worse.
