When I picked up my son from camp this weekend in another state, I got a speeding ticket. It has been a very very long time since those flashing red lights have pulled me over. But, this was the nicest speeding ticket I ever got.
The officer asked me if I knew the speed limit. He asked me if I knew how fast I was going. He asked me if I wanted to look at the radar gun. When it was all over, he tells me he is giving me a “citation”. Wow, I thought what next, the key to the city? Last time I checked a citation meant:
An official commendation for meritorious action, especially in military service: a citation for bravery.
A formal statement of the accomplishments of one being honored with an academic degree
.
But guess it also means “An official summons, especially one calling for appearance in court.
He gives me this citation ala speeding ticket in a wonderful white folder that says…”Who values your life? We Do: Law Enforcement!” The folder continues to say that “If I overlook this traffic violation, I would be disregarding the value of your life”.
No, actually, if he disregarded this violation then it would save me $185 and countless more $$ on my insurance. Let’s not pretend that the officer is doing me a favor. I was going 7 miles over the speed limit (62 in a 55 mile/ hour zone). Let’s just have them admit to all of us that this is a state use tax like so many other things.
Ok. Now that I am done with this rant, I feel better.
Hi Barry,
Here, here! I find it hilarious that police (local governments) think when they issue a speeding ticket that they are saving you (and countless others) from yourself.
The speed limit is one of the most arbitrary laws on our collective law books. Talk about shades of gray. You are just as guilty in the eyes of the law if you are going 56 in a 55 as you are 95. Essentially, both are breaking the law yet one clearly has the potential of being much more dangerous. Sure, you get fined incrementally more the higher you are over the speed limit, but you are still guilty of the same exact offense.
But what gets me is, someone in a magic building somewhere says that you are putting people’s lives at risk when going 63 mph, yet you are perfectly safe at 55 mph. Poppycock. Just tell it like it is, local governments. If it weren’t for this silly law, you’d have to raise taxes dramatically because it’s a meal ticket, plain and simple.
Anyway, my reason for this post, Barry, is to point you to an entry in my own blog. It explains how someone can make money from people’s silly speeding tickets by capitalizing on people’s frustrations, like your own. Here it is:
http://www.dansherman.com/2004/06/sell-speeding-ticket-protection.html
Cheers!
Dan
It’s amazing! Treating people like children.
“Now we know best and we’re saving your life, since you’re not smart enough to understand.”
Interesting to hear your account of this incident.
Here, here, brother! Chocolate covered dung is still unappetizing.