A Teenage Nightmare: Dumb Mistakes and Smart Moves with the Law
In one fateful stop, I found myself making several blunders in front of a police officer, mixed with a single smart move. This story is set over four decades ago, when I was a clueless teenager, navigating the complexities of the world, and unfortunately, the laws of the road—and there were few of the latter!
Stupid Thing #1: Driving 55 Miles per Hour in a Residential Area
Ironically, the initial lapse I made was constant, but in the wrong place. While a speed of 55 miles per hour might have been acceptable on a highway, in a residential neighborhood, it was simply too fast. Imagine the impact of a car traveling at that speed in an area with kids playing in the streets and old folks taking their walks. Thank goodness, the heavens were merciful, and my carelessness did not result in personal injury or worse. However, the experience was still a frightfully close call.
Stupid Thing #2: An Open Can of Beer in the Front Seat
Regrettably, my next mistake was a minor infraction compounded by a major infelicity. I had an open can of beer in my front seat, an indiscretion that, combined with my underage status, did not augur well for my encounter. I must admit, I was not drunk that evening, but the fact that I was a minor drinking beverage in public was still a serious offense. How old was I, again? It’s a wonder I knew my own age back then!
One Very Smart Thing: Being Polite and Cooperative
Amidst the chaos and volatility of a police stop, there was one thing that stood out as a beacon of wisdom. As the officer pulled me over, I made a deliberate choice to be polite and cooperative. I used the word 'sir,' did not argue, and took full responsibility for my actions. It might sound flippant, but in that moment, I made the strategic decision to engage with the officer in a manner that would only work to my advantage.
The officer, surprisingly, seemed impressed by my demeanor. As he penned out my ticket, he remarked on how I was being cooperative and reasonable, noting in passing that most teenagers reacted quite differently in similar situations. This encounter, in many ways, served as a stark reminder that one's attitude during an interaction with law enforcement can significantly influence the outcome.
Learning from Experience
One of the key takeaways from this experience is the fundamental lesson that it always pays to be polite. No matter who you are or what your interactions may reveal, being courteous is a non-negotiable. Whether your skin tone is dark or light, respect for authority figures, especially law enforcement, can make a world of difference. One should never approach a police encounter with a combative or defiant attitude, as there is virtually no likely outcome that will be favorable.
In conclusion, my ticket did not mention the open can of beer on the front seat. It’s possible the officer didn’t notice it, but it reaffirmed to me that politeness is the ultimate currency when dealing with law enforcement. From that day forward, I resolved to always be respectful and cooperative, no matter the circumstances.