I guess it all comes down to "where are the police when you need them".
I've always respected their duties and presence, but these last two incidents (wearing the "Rocket" jacket) I noticed a sudden swing in attitudes right from the approach. I'm attributing that to the first impression the officer gets as he approaches my LZ.
Imagine if I had racing stripes and a number on my back, I prolly would've gotten locked up without saying a word.
I'm launching that Rocket emblem out the window because it just doesn't fit my demeanor.
Unfortunately, people are still getting hurt out there on the roads, so it becomes a survival mission.
Hey, we've all seen police camera video of secondary crashes as the officer writes up the initial violator. Freakin' rubberneckers!
The physics of stopping on the side of the road with a bunch of cars trying to squeeze by at high speed doesn't appeal to me. I didn't feel very safe on the side on the road with a police car behind me flashing his lights for 20 minutes. If I was run down, who's the blame, how do you rationalize being restrained in a vulnerable position? What do you tell your loved ones after you've been maimed at a police stop.
By the way, the limit on that road is 45, he got me in a small 30mph section at dusk and I went another mile with him chasing me...
Man, those ear plugs are good!
Don't sweat it Wombat, it's a tough question.
Unless you're a police officer, then the answer should come easily!
Hidesert:
I'll also admit that the preoccupation with speeding is irrational. Why do "safety zone" signs never say anything about tailgating, failure to signal, failure to yield? Let's just be honest and say "finance generation zone".
I've crossed the bridges from Pennsylvania to NJ many times. The moment you get into NJ, it becomes NASCAR. In Penn, there are signs that suggest a "safe following distance" and highway attitudes reflect that, but in NJ, never saw one, just billions of advertising billboards for new cars, cell phone service, insurance companies, banks, fast food joints, etc, and NASCAR racing. I guess those are more important messages. :-/
