Got pulled over in San Francisco!

[takedown8]

Yup. Got pulled over last night on the 101 South travelling to Palo Alto. I was going 92mph in a 65mph zone. This darn car I was renting has huge numbers for mph on the speedometer but tiny numbers for the km/h (which is what I like to read).

Anyways, must've been the nicest cop in the world. I always look for cops while driving, but this was one of those motorcycle cops. He appeared out of nowhere flashing his lights. So I pulled over....and I always make sure I pull over as far to the right as possible to make it safe for the copper. Dozens of cops are hit by cars every year while pulling people over on the highway. I'm sensitive to that and I think the cop appreciates it too.

Anyways, he was like, "Hey there! How you doin'? You know why I stopped you don't ya? I stopped you for your speeding, you were going 92 in a 62mph zone. Where you headed?" And he said this all in a very friendly and nice tone. I told him that I was from the Toronto area and going to Palo Alto, etc.
I apologized for the speeding. He just asked for my license & insurance and went back to his bike.

He just did a background check, came back and gave me some warning citation. Even if he did give me a ticket, they can't really enforce them on me since I'm not from California, but it was a nice gesture on his part anyways....even if he did know that.

Then afterwards, he said, "Where're you headed? Maybe I can help out." I showed him my google maps directions, and he was like, "Oh that's just twenty minutes from here. You'll be there soon. Do me a favour, build up some speed along the median before merging back on the highway, but make sure you watch out for where the onramp is merging up ahead past that yellow sign. Otherwise, you folks have a great day!"

I couldn't believe how nice he was. I know we badmouth cops sometimes on these forums, but I gotta make mention of this guy. He was awesome.

It's rare to see motorcycle cops in Ontario, but if they started having more of 'em, I would probably have to really decrease my speed on the highway! Those things really do come out of nowhere!

Anyways, again, classy cop.

[inTgr8r]

It's nice to hear good stories now & then

[Dammmittt]

Good story. I've only been pulled over once in my life and I was 16. So I guess I'm due considering I drive much faster now...glad I haven't run into any motorcycle cops around here.

[fire-n-ice]

Thanks for sharing that positive experience. I think we tend to remember only the negative things that happen to us and quickly forget the good. It's human nature but it sure is nice hearing of a pleasant encounter with a Public Safety Officer, as most truly are good people

[Dammmittt]

Kinda like my boy Vic Mackey

[Rick Hunter]

Would have been a different ending if you were in your Zed...

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

Would have been a different ending if you were in your Zed...

Hmmm. You may be right, Rick. I didn't even think about that. At the time, I was driving a plain, old Chevy Cobalt (Hey leave me alone, I just needed wheels for a few hours!). I guess driving a Zed, a cop would have a preconceived notion about you, but if you're courteous, I think that would dissolve away. Who knows.

On a side note, the 2006 Chevy Cobalt I was driving:

multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, auxiliary plug, XM satellite radio, automatic headlights, power locks & windows.

Seems like more standard features than most of our Zeds! I guess they gotta try & compete with the Japanese.

[Rick Hunter]

WHAT??? And here I thought you were still driving the MX-5.

I'd shoot you just for stepping into a Cobalt, but I think 20Ducks would beat me to it.

BTW, when I got pulled over (...yes, yes... it wasn't too long ago... poor moi) the Trooper certainly didn't give me any courtesy. He definitely was able to make me feel like a little little chipmunk.

[takedown8]

Nawww. Only had the MX-5 for one day. No point renting it again for a few hours in the evening when you can't even go top down.

Stop giving me a hard time, about the Cobalt, Rick. I can be practical when I need to be. I put the pedal to the floor and there was almost no acceleration in the presence of a 20 degree incline. Ouch.

Anyways, I'm a man of the people! Can't go around driving Zeds all the time...gotta be grounded once in a while.

[Rick Hunter]

Grounded = taking the public transportation. Anyway, I didn't know Cobalts could even go >70MPH (>110kph).

OK, enough torture for tonight. Glad you're having fun in Cali. Make sure you get some DimSum if you're heading back Frisco-side. IMO, it's the best S#!T in America.

[vladinecko]

i'm glad i just moved here then