I wonder why they even need to peform traffic stops. I think the practice of cops writing tickets as a way to raise revenue is a terrible idea.
I drove 1700 miles around France for two weeks and was surprised at how few police were writing traffic citations.
I’d like to see some efficacy studies to see how it improves safety to have police write tickets for broken tail lights and illegal left turns.
I’m sure we all have stories of unnecessary tickets, but my favorite was when I was driving 79 in a 70 zone through the desert in Utah. Zero cars around, middle of the day. Why in the world would the police officer even bother?
My unnecessary ticket was in Berkeley. I got pulled over after an intersection with a stop sign. A cop that looked about twenty in a crisp, immaculate uniform came to the window and said that I had failed to come to a complete stop. I said "yes sir, I did, I even rolled backward". He put his hand on his gun, leaned down and yelled in my face "ARE YOU CALLING ME A LIAR?". No sir, whatever you say sir.
Maybe too many Berkeley council members had similar police interactions.
I always thought following distance cameras on highways would make sense. Measure the time between cars and issue automated tickets for tailgating. That's the single biggest cause of slowdowns, and exacerbates most other traffic problems. No penalties for going fast when there are no other cars on the road.
It’s always surprised me why the speed camera hasn’t taken off in the us, if you’re actually concerned about compliance with the speed limit or in generating revenue they are far more effective than a police officer and a car.
It's too accurate and hard to dispute. We had a referendum at my city and voted it out by a large majority. I think it's fine for cops to record your violation and mail you a ticket though. I refuse to travel to some EU countries and China due to CCTV ubiquity. They still spy a lot on civilians but at all opportunities, even in public, I want it known that no one has my consent to stalk me (incidental collection with no correlation is ok)
But regardless, if you are driving dangerously, you should be pulled over.
9 comments
[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 32.3 ms ] threadI drove 1700 miles around France for two weeks and was surprised at how few police were writing traffic citations.
I’d like to see some efficacy studies to see how it improves safety to have police write tickets for broken tail lights and illegal left turns.
I’m sure we all have stories of unnecessary tickets, but my favorite was when I was driving 79 in a 70 zone through the desert in Utah. Zero cars around, middle of the day. Why in the world would the police officer even bother?
Maybe too many Berkeley council members had similar police interactions.
“I bet you’re a Duke student, huh? I went to UNC. Speed limit’s 70 and you were going 74. Here’s your ticket, have a nice day.”
But regardless, if you are driving dangerously, you should be pulled over.