Just a Matter of Time
There was no excuse for it... A ONE-MINUTE True Story
There was absolutely no excuse for it. And I don’t even know why I am telling you this.
I was in town Monday morning, driving down Cedar Street in the light early- morning traffic. I came to the intersection of Cedar and Center, saw no cars coming in either direction, and just sort of made the right turn without actually stopping at the corner. Honestly, it was just an innocent little “Hollywood stop”, as we say. Ten seconds later I saw flashing blue lights in my rearview mirror and heard a siren’s double “whoop whoop”. Rats!
“I guess you didn’t see that sign there, ma’am,” he said. “You failed to come to a complete stop.”
I hung my guilty head and said, “Yeah, you’re absolutely right, officer. I know that stop sign is there, but no one was coming and I just coasted around the corner. I am sorry. It was stupid.” He reminded me that stop signs are not just suggestions; they are put there for a purpose and are to be obeyed. He let me go with only a warning. I drove off, diligently signaling as I pulled away from the curb.
Tuesday morning found me downtown again, driving down Cedar Street. There was no traffic to speak of. At the intersection of Cedar and Center, I looked carefully in both directions, saw no cars coming and, again, slowly rolled around the corner without stopping. What was I thinking? Instantly, blue lights flashed behind me and a siren gave one short “whoop”. Oh, no! Tell me this isn’t happening! I pulled over. Walking up to my window, ticket book in hand, was the same patrol man from the day before.
“Didn’t I pull you over yesterday morning, in this same car, at this same stop sign?”
“Yes, you did,” I said, absolutely mortified, my face as red as rhubarb. I just shook my head and didn’t even try to explain. “I have absolutely no excuse for it. I’m so sorry. Write me up.” He did. And I deserved it.
Who knows what planets had to align for that twin misadventure to occur? It was an expensive lesson — I was fined $180 and was publicly humiliated, so I am pretty sure there will not be a third occurrence.
But, you know, it could have been worse. I should feel fortunate that I was not cited the other thousand times I’d coasted around that very same corner over the years. It was only a matter of time.
I'm sure that cop was lying in wait for notorious scofflaws like Sharron. Honestly, it seems so petty.
Don't feel too bad, someday, I'll tell you the story of the day I had TWO (minor) crashes, both my fault, within hours of each other. I was seventeen, I almost gave up driving!
And then you sold the car. Cheaper now... no insurance, no gas, no tickets.... no accidents either. Good choice. Instead of the diligent cop, there could have been a crazy driving 120mph right into the side of your car. Wouldn'a seen him either. Uh oh.