I’ve had issues with police lately. Nothing like Reese Witherspoon, but a ticket here and a ticket there. Here’s what’s bugging me: so many people get away with things that I never could.
For example, my last ticket was because I didn’t use my blinker to make a left hand turn (actually, I had my blinker on but I pulled my steering wheel back and it clicked off). Seriously, a ticket for that! I saw at least 20 cars yesterday that must have had their blinkers disconnected! No cops.
I also notice a lot of cars whose speedometer must also be disconnected. One ticket I got last summer was going 45 in a 40. Really? How many of you are driving 40 in a 40? The year before I got a ticket for going 71 in a 60. You know what the cop told me when he pulled me over? “I know Ma’m it seems like not very fast but some days we just pick a number and anyone over that number gets a ticket. You just got the day of 71.” Come on!!!
Here’s what I didn’t know: traffic tickets are a multi-billion dollar industry. I also didn’t know that you should never pay your first ticket, even if you’re guilty (this seems counterintuitive to me – the rule following attorney). Here’s another thing that shocked me: fighting a ticket can cost up to $1,000+. That’s even for failure to use a blinker!
Look, I totally agree that we need to reduce accidents. And, I agree that there are too many people out there who have forgotten how to drive (or don’t care). But, why don’t they seem to get tickets and I do??
Now, at 50, I’m the one driving like I’m in my late 80’s (sorry fellow AARP members). I’m the one you’re honking at on the freeway. The one whose going 55 in the 55 zone and 30 in the 30 zone.
Driving like this has been a test of my inner strength. Yesterday, I was honked at for waiting for a pedestrian to go through the cross walk. Now I can see why there are so many “fingers” being shown out of car windows!
So, be gentle with me when you see me following each and every road rule. My full and complete stops. My blinker within 100 feet of the stop sign. And remember, as you’re getting frustrated with that driver in front of you, he/she (it could be me!) may just have one too many stupid tickets!
Have a safe day!
theyearof50 