A traffic stop is a humiliating event for most folks.
The overwhelming majority mean to be law-abiding citizens, though it certainly isn’t unusual to fudge a little with traffic laws. I fight the temptation to pause rather than come to a complete stop at stop signs. I also have been known to drive a bit over the speed limit, particularly on interstate highways where I justify the transgression by “everyone does it.”
I’ve been on the receiving end of two traffic tickets in my life, one for speeding early one Sunday morning south of Topeka. The second in Iola was well-deserved, and came when I wasn’t paying attention while driving onto Madison Avenue and clipped the rear end of a car.
I’ve had other opportunities, most when there wasn’t an officer nearby and a handful when I was stopped and received a warning.
The first was in the early 1960s when I was returning to college in Pittsburg. I was daydreaming, disregarded a red light on North Broadway, and realized the misstep before I was through the intersection. A patrol car came around the corner behind me and before its lights came on I had pulled to the side of the street. I knew I was had.
As luck would have it, the officer gave me a short lecture and a warning instead of a citation.
I’m convinced that a warning is more effective, unless the infraction is too serious for officer discretion.
Tickets and subsequent fines hurt the pocketbook, but also are considered a little vindictive by most drivers, even when you know you’ve done wrong. Warnings, at least those I’ve received, have been more positive in relation to my driving habits. With another factor, of course, being that as I’ve gotten older I am more cautious and sometimes probably drive too slowly on highways, although I think 60 mph really is fast enough on a two-lane road.
I would be surprised if any local officers covet opportunities to sting motorists with a ticket. Their goal is to make streets and roads safe, with the goal of reducing accidents and the heartache that comes when a driver or passengers suffer injury.
Fact is, driving a few miles over the speed limit doesn’t save all that much time. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Traffic warning a good alternative
