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Mom’s Speed-Racer Past Resurfaces
Jul 11 2007 by Sara Lacey
7/11/2007
Rare Slip Leads to Ticket — and Fast-Food Scolding
I must be getting old. The other night I saw a police officer on the highway and instinctively hit the brakes. Looking down at the speedometer, I realized I was only doing 5 mph over the speed limit in the first place. That's usually the case these days; I’m almost always doing the speed limit (if not under it) when I hit the brakes or downshift at the sight of a cop. For some reason, this cracks me up every time it happens and I realize I'm not the Speed Racer I was at 16.
Apparently, though, that Speed Racer lives on. Yesterday, driving in a very purple Dark Amethyst Lincoln MKX, the one time I didn’t hit the brakes I got a ticket. I have to say, the officer was great. He was very friendly and funny (at least, as funny as he could be under the circumstances, joking about the interesting color of my test car). I totally acknowledged that I was speeding, and that I was sorry. I was reconciled with it, telling myself, “Well, Sara, that was dumb. Stop playing with the radio and pay attention.” I proceeded to head to lunch feeling relatively fine. I called my husband and told him about the ticket, and even when he said, "Guess we won't be enjoying those low insurance rates anymore," I wasn't horrendously bummed.
But then I got a lecture from the cashier at Qdoba. He asked me how my day was and, as usual, I provided too much information: “Oh man," I said, "I just got a speeding ticket. Slow down on Motsenbocker, there's a speed trap.” Unsympathetic as all get-out, he tells me I shouldn’t blame a speed trap for getting a ticket. I didn't think I had, and I certainly didn't feel like a victim. I was just trying to help a buddy out, you know? That is, I didn't feel like a victim until I went to lunch, because then Mr. High-and-Mighty says, "Since I've moved here from California, I am amazed at how many people speed and run red lights. It's crazy; drivers here are crazy."
Now I'm shouldering the burden of my state's vehicular idiocy? Until a few years ago, I hadn't had a speeding ticket for 11 years! I’m a good driver! I'm very attentive, anticipating and aware — I even pull over most of the time to use my cell phone. And why did I feel the need to justify this to the burrito joint's cashier? I had been shamed, and I had no argument. It totally sucked. He finished with "Have a happy Fourth of July!" I don't have to tell you the kind of names I was calling him in my head. I don't even want to go back there, but they have the best queso dip in town and I don't think I can cope without it.
In the parking lot, I decided to call my boss to ask her what the procedure is if one gets a speeding ticket in a test car. Her response? "I don't know because, frankly, I've never gotten one in a test car. I've only gotten one ticket in my life and that was when I was 17. But it's off my record now." Sweet. Rub a little salt in that fresh wound there, Boss Lady.
I need to get over it, I know. But isn't it funny that the one person in the speeding-ticket experience I'm not bitter about turns out to be the policeman who gave it to me? I must be getting old.
User Comments
Well, shoot. I just paid it. Why does going to court lessen the likelihood of increased insurance rates? Do tell!
*for posterity*
If you just pay the ticket, you are essentially pleading guilty. So you when you do this, statisticly, your chances are 100% you will be found guilty.
If you go to court, many times they will allow you to plead to a lesser charge and in some instances dismiss the ticket entirely, (or take a court fee but dismiss the ticket)
This means either a not guilty verdict or a reduced charge.
So statisticly speaking. Going to court can reduce your odds of getting a guilty verdict.
Guilty verdict on driving infractions will show up on your driving record.
Insurance companies monitor your record when they set your rates.
And if nothing else you get to witness the legal morass,, I mean system, in action.
Advise, go to court. A doctor/friend of mine redused his reckless op charge of 20 mi over limit down to 8! Our fines were essentially same(I paid mine and did not appear)when I was 10mph over.
Here’s a tip from a former Limo driver.
Don’t pay it, go to court.
It will seriously reduce your chances of your insurance going up. If you just pay the fine I guarentee 100% your insurance rates will rise. In court you have a chance, especially since so many juristictions only enforce speed for revenue.
(and the reason I don’t drive Limos anymore? I moved up to trucks, MUCH slower)