What Would a Cop Do If They Were Writing a Speeding Ticket and Another Driver Passed By?

A few years ago, I found myself driving on a familiar divided highway where the speed limit suddenly dropped from 55 to 35 mph as I descended a long hill into a right-hand curve. Given the rural setting and light traffic, I hadn’t been paying much attention to my speed. As I rounded the curve, I spotted a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) car approaching from the opposite direction, its lights flashing. The officer pulled a fast u-turn and I quickly pulled over to the shoulder, ensuring there was enough space for the officer to approach safely.

However, he parked his cruiser a bit recklessly with the rear end protruding onto the white line. The officer approached my window with an air of aggression, angrily questioning my speed. I played dumb, claiming ignorance, though I was aware I had been going around 65 mph. The officer used a lot of profanity while telling me that the car had a speedometer and only an idiot wouldn’t know how fast they were going.

After handing over my license and insurance, the officer returned to his car to process the stop. As I watched him in my rear-view mirror, a speeding pickup truck emerged from the curve, narrowly avoiding the patrol car as it cut into the left lane before swerving back into the right lane just past my SUV, causing both vehicles to sway. The officer returned, tossing my documents at me and admonishing me to slow down before speeding off with his sirens blaring. A few miles down the road, I spotted the truck, and the cop pulled it over. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the driver, as I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to jail as angry as the GSP officer was.

Law Enforcement and Efficiency

Law enforcement in Georgia and across the country often face the challenge of balancing thoroughness with efficiency. When a crime is in progress or another driver poses a more immediate threat, officers must make quick decisions. In the scenario described, the officer prioritized another speeding violation by the pickup truck, which potentially posed a greater risk than a seemingly minor speeding ticket.

This example underscores the complex decision-making process that officers often face on the job. When multiple potential conflicts arise simultaneously, officers must assess the risks and make decisions that they believe will lead to the best outcome for public safety.

Personal Anecdotes

Way back when I was 18 years old, I was stopped for going 65 mph in a 55 mph zone. The trooper had me sit in the front seat of his cruiser while he retrieved a little metal box that held the ticket he was about to write me up with. At that moment, a numb-skull in a late 60s vintage mag-wheeled big-block supercar pulled up to a stop sign a hundred yards or so down from us and just lit up his tires, doing one of the coolest smoke shows I’ve ever seen from the front seat of a police cruiser.

The trooper tossed my license at me and yelled for me to get out, chasing down the poor clown that had just saved me from a ticket. Of course, I was going nice and slow as I drove past the cruiser with its new “guest” in the front seat. In the years since during my law enforcement career, I had a couple of instances where someone I stopped was saved by someone else doing something stupid. I guess that’s what they mean when they say “pay it forward.”

These experiences highlight the unpredictable nature of law enforcement and the countless small, seemingly insignificant events that can play a role in preventing violations or dangerous situations. Each officer’s actions, whether catching speeding offenders or pursuing more pressing issues, reflect the ongoing effort to keep communities safe.

Understanding these dynamics can shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement and the importance of a balanced and efficient approach to their role.

Conclusion

When a cop is writing a speeding ticket and another driver passes by, there are many factors to consider. The officer must assess the immediate threats and prioritize accordingly. These experiences also demonstrate the unexpected ways in which small actions can influence larger outcomes and reinforce the interconnected nature of community safety.