Page 12 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – January/February 2018

AUTOMOTIvE sERvICEs
Safe Roads
When You’re Pulled Over
Almost every driver gets pulled over by law enforcement at least once during their driving career. AAA held focus groups with Law Enforcement Officers and driving instructors to develop the following steps for what to do when you are pulled over.
STEP 1: PullInG OVER
After you see flashing lights behind you, the first thing to do is communicate to the officer that you see them by waving or turning on your hazard flashers. Slowly pull over in a safe location and out of traffic.
1. Put your vehicle in Park, with your foot
off the brake pedal.
2. Remain in the vehicle, unless
otherwise instructed.
3. Turn the radio down to zero volume.
4. Roll your window down all the way.
If the officer approaches on the right,
roll down that window.
5. Keep your safety belt fastened.
6. At night, turn your interior light on.
7. Don’t reach for any object before the
officer approaches and asks you to do so.
STEP 2: THE OffICER APPROACHES YOuR VEHIClE
The officer must be ready at all times for the driver to pose a serious threat – any driver could become aggressive and attack. That is the reason it’s important to
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
present yourself as low-risk. Position your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel or extend them out your window a bit.
STEP 3: COnVERSATIOnS WITH THE OffICER
It’s natural to want to know why you were pulled over. But that’s not nearly as important as what the officer needs to know first: who they are dealing with – for their safety. Allow the officer to start the conversation.
• Follow the officer’s instructions.
• Answer all questions truthfully.
• Be patient about learning why you
were pulled over – you’ll get your
answer.
• Reach for your license and other
documents slowly and only after the
officer asks you to provide them.
• Be honest, courteous and polite!
How you respond to the officer sets the tone for the entire traffic stop.
fInAl STEP:
Do not drive away until the officer says it is okay to do so. Finally, be very careful pulling back into traffic!
For more information about staying safe on America’s roadways, please visit AAAfoundation.org or AAA.com/safety.