Have you ever witnessed a police officer doing 70/55 mph without emergency lights on a deserted road? If so, you might be left wondering, why did they get pulled over when you were also speeding past them? Such a situation can indeed be puzzling, but it's essential to understand the complexities involved.
Police Conduct and Emergency Situations
Police officers, like all emergency vehicles, should be ready to respond to emergencies promptly. They often need to exceed the speed limit to reach the scene efficiently. However, this does not give drivers a free pass to also speed. When officers operate without emergency lights or sirens, they are simply performing their regular duties. Speeding past such a vehicle, regardless of the circumstances, is not only illegal but also dangerous.
Last night's observation on 'On Patrol Live' highlighted such an incident. An officer driving at the speed limit was unwittingly passed by a driver in a school zone on a Friday night, a period when speed becomes even more critical due to football practices. The driver was reprimanded for this behavior and faced hefty fines. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the dangers of disregarding them.
Why Emergency Vehicles Go Fast
Ambulances and fire department vehicles frequently exceed the speed limit to reach emergencies quickly. Yet, this does not justify exceeding the speed limit in other situations. These vehicles are equipped with appropriate emergency equipment and training for their tasks, while regular drivers are not. Therefore, it's crucial to understand that while emergency vehicles have the authority to break the speed limit, it is not granted to all drivers.
The Logic Behind Not Passing a Cop
Passing a police officer while speeding reinforces the wrong mentality. It's tempting to think that since the officer is speeding, you don't have to follow the rules, or that police won't mind if you speed. However, this is a dangerous and legally risky assumption. Even if the officer is breaking the law, you are still breaking traffic laws. Speeding is never excused merely because someone else is doing it.
Furthermore, even if you report the officer's behavior to their supervisor, the likelihood of meaningful action is minimal. Officers have a level of discretion and leniency that regular drivers don't. You might get a vague warning, but the officer is likely to continue their practice.
Driving While Stupid (DWS)
The act of passing a speeding police vehicle can be viewed as "Driving While Stupid" (DWS). It demonstrates a lack of understanding of traffic laws and the potential dangers of breaking them, even in what might seem like an exception.
It’s important to remember that rule number one is to never pass a cop, especially if you're exceeding the speed limit. If you pass an officer who is doing 70/55 mph, you are now going even faster, which is illegal. Driving under such circumstances can result in infractions or misdemeanors, no matter the situation.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to follow the lead of speeding police officers, it's crucial to adhere to traffic laws for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Understanding the rationale behind why emergency vehicles go fast, and why you should never pass a speeding police officer, can help prevent dangerous and illegal behavior.