Seeing flashing lights in a rear view mirror can generate a lot of fear in most young drivers. In fact, it can be quite aggravating and frightening for any driver out there.
Drivers can get pulled over for any reason. If the police officer finds them suspicious, then they have every right to pull them over. Some reasons are quite simple, for example, having something hanging on the rear view mirror.
Drivers can get pulled over for having something hanging from their mirror, but only if it’s big enough. If it looks like it could cause a distraction, the officer will most likely pull them over for safety precautions.
“The first time I got pulled over was near Deer Run Trail for having a pair of dice on my mirror,” said senior Celine Cumming, “I was super nervous and I was sweating. I was just so scared because I didn’t know what I had done wrong.”
Getting behind in insurance and tabs can increase drivers chances of getting pulled over as well. According to USA Today, “In Minnesota, pop. 5.3 million, the State Patrol purges scanned data after 48 hours and has fewer than 20,000 license-plate readings on file.” So cops in Minnesota are checking license plates more often than one may think.
“I was coming home from another friends house ‘cause I was dropping another friend off in the Minnetonka area,” said senior Sarah Bezenar, “I saw that I was being followed by a cop, and they noticed my tabs were expired.”
Not only do drivers get behind in insurance and tabs, but drivers get pulled over for speeding. Drivers want to get to their desired destination faster than ever now-a-days, especially teens. On average, teens drive 1.3 mph faster than everyone else on the roads.
Senior Zach Robinson is one of them.
“A few weeks ago I was caught speeding,” said Robinson, “It was dark and I couldn’t see anyone, then all of a sudden this car comes flying up behind me. He was really close to me for like thirty seconds, then he flicked on his lights.”
What happens if someone does get pulled over?
“I didn’t know what to do.. I got out of the car, and you’re not supposed to get out of the car ‘cause that’s a big no no when you get pulled over,” said Emily Eichelberger.
Staying in the car and keeping your hands on the wheel is important if someone gets pulled over. That way the cop knows that the driver is serious.
“Don’t be really nervous because it’ll make you look like you did something wrong,” said Cumming.
Being fidgety can come off as a strong indicator of deception to the police officer. Stay calm, be polite, and, most importantly, be honest. More than likely these police officers have been pulling drivers over for a while and can read people like a book.
“Don’t try to lie to get out of trouble,” said senior Keegan Johnson.
Chances are young drivers will most likely be let off easily since they’re inexperienced.
Overall, making good decisions behind the wheel is most important. A life is more important than sending a text, putting on makeup, speeding to get there faster, or just plain out not paying attention. Always obey signs, and just think with common sense because driving is a privilege, not a virtue.