R1150R vs. Ohio State Police

[Harry]

Fifty miles outside of Columbus Ohio on Monday, my wife and I were on our way back to Maryland after enjoying the Indy 500.

We were riding beneath an apathetic and powerful sun in unforgivably hot motorcycling leathers and helmets.

The sweat on my brow carried a steady stream of stinging sunblock into
my eyes and the wind buffeted my head left to right. By this time, our
sit-bones were angry and raw.

However, route 70 East was straight and smooth and we were eating-up the miles.

Once in the passing lane, I rolled on the throttle and the R1150
responded with it's predictable enthusiasm, the spirit of the autobahn
coursing through it's engine.

On the left shoulder beside the Jersey wall I could see some sort of
shape. But it was dark and mostly disguised by the waves of heat
raising up from the road.

By the time that I had realized what I was looking at, a wiry young
State Trooper was already out of his car, standing in the road and
pointing his not-so-subtle finger directly at my face. His expression
and commanding stance were unmistakable; pull over now!!! And don't
let the idea of doing something stupid even so much as enter your
mind. We were parked at the shoulder in an instant.

Unaware of the law in Ohio with regard to earphones, I quickly removed my helmet and fumbled for them in order to stuff my music system into my coat pocket as fast as I possibly could. But knowing that the police are trained to watch a suspects hands, it seemed an almost ridiculous rouse.

We were now both off of the bike and I could see the officer on his
radio, running a check on my tag.

I had just gotten my drivers licence out of my wallet when he
approached, carrying his radar gun.

With his left hand he adjusted his hat, setting it back on his head so
that he could get right into my face without the hard brim to provide
me with even the tiniest personal space.

With his right hand he lifted up the radar detector so that I could
clearly see the digital read-out. The machine was dark grey and
aggressively shaped. Almost like a small hand-held cannon and it's
black numbers were matter-of-fact.

*I* didn't really look at the numbers. The numbers looked *at me.* And
they said: 81. It was like the crack of a judge's gavel.

His machine held in my face, the trooper looked at me and said "That
look about right to you?"

With lightning speed, a few thoughts raced through my mind; um, maybe
his gun isn't calibrated accurately. Uh, maybe he bumped it inside of
his patrol car and the setting have been damaged.... um... calibration, yea, calibration!!

But frankly it would have been beneath the both of us for me to try to
squirm out of this, so with a grimace on my face that probably could
have been used against me in court, I nodded my head in agreement and
simply said "yup." To which he replied "OK. I'll be right back" and
returned to his cruiser.

We stood there on the side of the highway, cars pushing hot gusts of
air at us as they passed, and I couldn't stop thinking about that
stupid little gecko as I wondering just what my friendly new Geico
motorcycle insurance representative was going to think about this.

Just then the officer returned with my license and a slip of yellow
paper with black lettering on it and said "I'm giving you a warning.
But slow down. We don't want to see you get hurt out here."

Truly baffled, I shook the man's hand and said "thank you."

Before walking off he turned and asked "what year's your bike?" "It's an 05." "Nice bike" he said, and in an instant he was gone.

Lesson learned; if you don't lie to a police officer when it comes to
speeding, you just might catch a break.

[HILLBILLIEBIKER]

I enjoy the way you spin a yarn......cant wait till your next scrap with the law.

[FM696969]

WE ALL NEED TO SPEND THE $$$ ON A RADAR DETECTOR!!!!

[Sit]

Harry,
Glad you didnt get a ticket, that would have stunk. I always appreciate people that are honest with me and don't try to B.S. a reason for why they are stopped. Will honesty always get you out of a cite? No, but making up a lame excuse or trying to play dumb will not help. You did everything right though, stop quick, take your helmet off so the cop knows you wont jet off as soon as he is on foot, be polite, and have your information in order. Fifty/fifty if you get a ticket when the cop comes talk to you. Do what you can to show him you are sorry and respect the law, dont argue your case, and dont talk too much. What you tell him is admissible in court should you get a ticket and you better bet he is taking notes on what you say. I always do and have not lost a ticket yet.

As for radar detectors, my two cents, never really believed in them. A cop working radar doesnt leave the thing on, so it emits no signal. When he sees a fast mover, point, aim, pull trigger and he has you. If you are behind the fast mover and your detector goes off, it may save you in case he doesnt go after the other guy. If he hits you with the radar or lidar, its too late by the time your gizmo goes off. Most experienced traffic cops dont radar everyone they see because they know that a fast guy is out there betting on his detector to save him and they want to limit the signals they send out. I know some people love them and swear by them. Just not for me.

[MikeCam]

Excellent writing and a good story. Also, great info from the 'voice of experience' above. Thanks to you both.

[houndog]

Harry,
From what I have heard here that little geco is probably the guy that gave the radar gun to the LEO.

Tommy

[dwayne]

...Before walking off he turned and asked "what year's your bike?" "It's an 05." "Nice bike" he said, and in an instant he was gone.

Lesson learned; if you don't lie to a police officer when it comes to
speeding, you just might catch a break.

SEE!! The '05 is the best model year! I KNEW IT!

[mnnden]

A good report!! I have found (sometimes the hard way) that honesty is almost always the best policy. I am glad things worked out. Den

[dwayne]

Harry,
Glad you didnt get a ticket, that would have stunk. I always appreciate people that are honest with me and don't try to B.S. a reason for why they are stopped. Will honesty always get you out of a cite? No, but making up a lame excuse or trying to play dumb will not help. You did everything right though, stop quick, take your helmet off so the cop knows you wont jet off as soon as he is on foot, be polite, and have your information in order. Fifty/fifty if you get a ticket when the cop comes talk to you. Do what you can to show him you are sorry and respect the law, dont argue your case, and dont talk too much. What you tell him is admissible in court should you get a ticket and you better bet he is taking notes on what you say. I always do and have not lost a ticket yet.

As for radar detectors, my two cents, never really believed in them. A cop working radar doesnt leave the thing on, so it emits no signal. When he sees a fast mover, point, aim, pull trigger and he has you. If you are behind the fast mover and your detector goes off, it may save you in case he doesnt go after the other guy. If he hits you with the radar or lidar, its too late by the time your gizmo goes off. Most experienced traffic cops dont radar everyone they see because they know that a fast guy is out there betting on his detector to save him and they want to limit the signals they send out. I know some people love them and swear by them. Just not for me.

I was pulled over once, almost had a small heart attack in the process. I don't really speed...that much, but figured if I ever got caught just tell the truth, probably still get a ticket but at least you didn't belittle yourself or the guy doing his job. Of course that's my planned course of action, never actualy been pulled over for speeding...well once, but the cop was more interested in my Military Id then the fact I was doing 70K/Hr. in a 50. In that case I actually did tell the guy..."yup, I'm a dumbass" He told me to be on my way, I had no problem following that order.

[Eqyn Dad]

Having lived here in Ohio all my life, this may be the only time I have heard of anyone NOT be ticketed by the OHP @ 81mph! The OHP is known for ticketing for 3 over the limit.

Route 70 east on the weekends is one of their favorite spots -- lots of tourist heading through the state.

I think honesty did truly pay off - congratulations.

[wncbmw]

My last ticket on the bike I got caught in the act passing on a double yellow, while the HP was going in the opposite direction. When I saw the brake lights, I pulled over around the curve and was waiting with helmet off and license and registration in hand. He did not let me go but recommended the "drivers school" option, which removes the points from my license. You need the troopers approval to do that, so it paid off for me.

Years ago, I did the same thing when caught speeding in my truck. The trooper wrote me up, then said I should go to court. He ended up testifying on my behalf, citing my cooperation and attitude, for a reduction in speed, which also kept points off the license.

If I did the crime, I'll do the time but it doesn't hurt to have the trooper on your side for a break from the courts!

[mcollect]

I have always found that a correct military answer goes a long way. Get off the bike, remove helmet. Then only answer: Yes Sir, No Sir and most importantly, No Excuse Sir. Works all the time, it got me out of a court marshal once.

[Sit]

Years ago, I did the same thing when caught speeding in my truck. The trooper wrote me up, then said I should go to court. He ended up testifying on my behalf, citing my cooperation and attitude, for a reduction in speed, which also kept points off the license.

You have a good point here too. Not only will the officer remember what you told him at the stop, he will remember how you acted. If you were honest, polite and calm, I make notes of that as a lot of our judges ask how the driver was before he imposes a fine. If you are less than polite, I most likely will remember you, but I make notes any way and tell the judge whether he asks or not. I have seen people fined higher than the amount on the ticket based on their attitude.

Just remember, cops are people too and we dont get free toasters or anything else based on the amount of tickets we write. I truly approach traffic stops with an open mind, unless you almost cause an accident, and I hope that the driver leaves the stop with an understanding of what they did was dangerous or not fair to others and hope they will change how they drive/ride. We just want to keep the roads safe for cars and bikes!

[wncbmw]

I truly approach traffic stops with an open mind

And if it was me, with my hand on my gun! I respect anyone in this day and age that will make traffic stops solo. You be careful!

[xaque]

A good report!! I have found (sometimes the hard way) that honesty is almost always the best policy. I am glad things worked out. Den

Um... I say honesty is ALWAYS the best policy.

Treat me with honesty and respect, you'll get it right back! (Unless you're a scumbag... )
-Xaque-

[chris]

Nicely written and the best way to go, take the medicine. I've been given a ticket for 6mph over the limit in a 30 zone by an officer who said he knew I'd seen him (I hadn't) because he saw me brake heavily. I never actually braked at all but I bit my lip and took it.

Another time 2 friends of mine were stopped at over 120mph on a Welsh road, no question they were going ape having a great time. The case went to court a few weeks later and their brief asked the question "Which of my clients is being prosecuted?" When the officer said "Both" the judge threw the case out, only one vehicle per reading!

[Kevin50r]

I'm a cop. I can't speak for all of 'em 'cause their human beings and everyone of them is different. I'll treat you with respect, no matter how you treat me. But attitude is important for everyone and I have the latitude to issue a citation or a warning. So far they haven't taken away that right. I'm glad your outcome was so positive. If you're ever in my area look me up!

[mnnden]

A good report!! I have found (sometimes the hard way) that honesty is almost always the best policy. I am glad things worked out. Den

Um... I say honesty is ALWAYS the best policy.

Treat me with honesty and respect, you'll get it right back! (Unless you're a scumbag... )
-Xaque-

Xaque, I stand corrected!! you are right, "Honesty is always the best policy" although I think there are situations where a "white lie"is the right thing to do. Den

[Biff's R]

The Ohio Highwway Patroll has been on a big campaign agaiinst speeding here the last cople of weeks. Last Thursday I saw 7 troopers in 40 miles on my way to work.

[Red1]

.

You certainly do tell a great story! Very good writer.

I've received 2 speeding tickets in the last 9 months.
One on my bike, the other in my car.

It had been nearly 25 years since my last speeding ticket.. or
only other speeding ticket.

1st on my bike - too fast for the signs, but not for the newly
built HUGE road. Looks like a highway and being unfamiliar with it,
I treated it as such, didn't notice the speed limit sign.

Young officer was sweet. Cute, polite, complimented me on all
my gear - he's used to Harley riders in tank tops and no helmets.
I don't flirt or make excuses to get out of problems.
He wrote the ticket. We talked bikes for a bit - could tell he really
wanted to "test ride" mine. Paid my fine, took the defensive driving class.
Positive interaction.

2nd ticket in cage. Written up for 5 miles over. Big road.
Going same speed as traffic in front of me. I was the "chosen" one
this time. He said I was going 7 over, but ???
This guy was mean, really a cold individual. Seemed to enjoy his intimidating
stance and power. I said not a word except
"why did you choose me, when the other cars were going the same speed?".
I was the last in the group of cars.

Paid fine, will once again take class. Negative interaction.
Think this guy's underwear were far too tight that day.
He was one of the most uptight people I've ever met.

I've had warnings before.
Until the ticket in my car, all of the interactions I've had with the police
have been either positive or neutral. I'd like to keep it that way, no excuses.
Usually I know how fast I'm going and usually I'm aware of the speed limit.
However, I must admit, that if I have to ride in the city, my attention is not
on the speedometer, but on the cars and peds around me.
I'm trying to avoid being a statistic.