In general, most people who are asked to pull over by a police officer panic. Usually, this reaction is induced by fear. However, in most cases, people panic because they don’t know what to do. This kind of response often leads to unpleasant circumstances after getting pulled over. Hence, it’s essential to be aware of what you should do and how to address the police officer during these scenarios.
So if you see the familiar flash of the colors red and blue from the LED lights of a police vehicle, here is what you should do:
Step 1: Keep Calm
One of the most common mistakes an individual makes when being asked to pull over is panicking. This is why most people blank out and speed up, making the situation worse than it originally was. Hence, it’s vital that you keep your composure and stay calm when you notice a police officer flashing his or her lights behind your vehicle.
Step 2: Pull Over
You will have to pull over. However, you shouldn’t just abruptly stop in the middle of the road. Safely put your vehicle to a halt on the right side of the road. Afterward, feel free to take a deep breath and patiently wait for the officer to confront you.
Step 3: Have a Polite Conversation
Although you might be feeling scared, annoyed, or irritated, do your best to respond to the police officer politely. Remember not to let your emotions get the best of you. Keep in mind that negativity, aggression, and irritation can only aggravate the situation. In some cases, these kinds of negative feelings even result in getting charged with other types of offenses. Therefore, always keep a clear head and give polite replies.
Step 4: Show Proof of Identity
The police officer will most likely ask for your identification card. However, do not let the police officer confiscate it without giving you the reason for it. Remember to ask for justification as well. Do not be afraid to respond, especially if you’re confident you’ve done nothing wrong. However, make sure that you’re going to reply calmly. Instead of aggressively demanding answers, ask the officer in a courteous way.
Step 5: Be Cautious in Doing Everything the Officer Says
In general, you’re supposed to oblige to whatever a police officer says. However, you should know your rights and limitations. Hence, never consent to a request from an officer when you’re fully aware that it goes against your constitutional rights. Yes, you’re supposed to oblige when asked to step out of your vehicle, but do not consent for questionable demands such as a vehicle search.
Undoubtedly, getting pulled over can be a horrifying experience. Nonetheless, the key to getting out of such a scenario is to keep your calm and be mindful of your actions. Always remember that aggression can lead to negative consequences. Hence, it’s best to not aggravate the situation by handling it in a good way. After all, police officers are most likely to let you off with a warning if you’ll only communicate properly.
