"Uh, I'm not sure what you mean," I stammered a little dumbfounded. Straining, I could see his helmet and dark glasses, but my gaze was more comfortable focused on his badge. My heart was racing. I should have retrieved my license, proof of insurance, and registration, but I was so shocked, I just sat there. I could not think of one reason for the officer to pull me over.
We were driving home from Fort Collins, down I-25. I saw the unmarked patrol car up ahead of me. Unlike so many other cars, I didn't jam on my brakes or slow down. I don't make a habit of speeding. I confidently followed him. We drove along for some time in the fast lane. After passing quite a few vehicles, he moved into the right lane. Knowing a friend was given a ticket for "riding in the left lane too long" I also merged back after passing the large semi truck.
I began creeping up on the officer, so I passed him. I then moved back into his lane directly in front of him. Almost immediately, I saw flashing lights in my rearview mirror.
I don't remember everything he said to me, but he was angry because apparently when I passed him, I made an "unsafe lane change."
"The guy behind you was doing 86, and he had to slam on his brakes when you pulled in front of him. I was going to give him a ticket, but you got in my way. Then I noticed you didn't have a front license plate, so I pulled you over instead."
Nice. After I showed him I did have a front plate (not attached, but resting beside the passenger seat,) and after he took my license, registration, and proof of insurance, I was handed a warning. I was thankful for no tickets, but it took 20 minutes for my heart to quit pounding. I must have been sweating too. When I stopped for gas, I noticed the back of my shirt was stuck to my back.
I wonder if that white SUV realizes he was spared a ticket, even if it was accidental on my part.
1 comment:
EEP! I've never been pulled over before. I think I would have peed my pants a little... Okay, maybe more than a little... LOL
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