[cva66snipe]

I was just getting onto a fly-over bridge when a policeman flashed his lights behind me (he'd clocked me speeding). For my safety and his, I thought I was doing the right thing to keep going, but at a reduced speed, and then pull over when I got to the other end of the fly-over bridge and then pull over on solid ground. But, by the time I got to the bottom, he had turned on his speaker and was commanding, "pull over RIGHT NOW". Sorry, but no way was I going to pull over on the practically non-existent shoulder of that fly-over bridge with other cars whizzing by at or above the 60 mph speed limit. By the time I came to a stop, I was scared and feeling humiliated. When he came to my window, he was full-up ANGRY and demanding to know why I hadn't pulled over. I wanted so badly to call him a Barney Fife, but I just told him I did it to be safe. He said, "When a police officer tells you to pull over, YOU PULL OVER!!!" in kind of a Frank Constanza type rage.

Next time try using the flashers. It acknowledges you are aware of him. A cop can not legally in any state I know of force you to pull over under unsafe circumstances especially at night. Policemen have been taught to honor flashers as an "I will stop when I feel it is safe for me to do so" confirmation by the driver. The driver could be a women looking for an exit and an open store.

I taught my daughters never pull over for blue lights at night until you are in a safe enviroment near others. Use the flashers. This is written policy in most law enforcement agencies. There are too many blue light wannabee's out these and some have the occupation of rapist. Any officer not honoring a reduced speed and flashers needs at a minimum being placed on report.

[hispanarepublicana]

Thanks....that's a great tip. I figured that my going slowly in front of him was enough for him to know I wasn't looking to evade him, but next time I'll know better. It still doesn't warrant him anger, IMHO.

[oceanview]

I believe its even lawful to drive to some well lit public place - I know here on long island, we have had many incidents of imposter police officers pulling people over and robbing them - and the real police advise driving to a gas station or something.

but how do you communicate that intention to the police car behind you?

[beltfed308]

Good information. Thanks for the post.

[B4Ranch]

"I taught my daughters never pull over for blue lights at night until you are in a safe enviroment near others. Use the flashers."

Having them turn on the inside dome light is a good idea if they aren't going to stop immediately.