I left Ottawa at about 7:30am. I was already on the outskirts, so I didn't really have any traffic to deal with. Made it to the town of Casselman, where I needed to put in just enough gas to get me across the border to the USA where the gas is almost 30% cheaper.
As I took the exit ramp, I noticed ahead that there was a green light for the left turn I needed to make. There was a guy in a minivan stopped at the light with his left turn signal on, but he wasn't moving. So I figured he was either broken down, or totally not paying attention. So without slowing much, I just zipped around him on the right.
But a cop coming the other way noticed my "stunt driving" as he called it. Sure enough, he pulled a u-turn and came after me. As I made my way towards the gas station entrance, I saw his lights flashing, but it was a single lane with no shoulder so I pulled into the gas station about 100 yards ahead.
This guy was all over me like I had just robbed a bank. So I let him berate me for my foolish, bonehead (his words) driving. I really didn't think I had done anything wrong. I suppose I could have pulled in behind this guy and tapped my horn, but if he was broke down then I would miss the light. Anyhow, in hindsight I agree the move was a little aggressive, but it certainly didn't warrant the attitude I was getting from this guy. Then, he says I could be charged with "stunt driving" and "failing to pull over for an emergency vehicle", and a few other charges that he didn't specify.
Then, he says that in his 19 years of being a police officer, he has noticed that everybody who pulls into a parking area for him has been driving with a suspended licence. He asked if my licence is suspended. I say no. He says "we'll see about that!" and takes all my info back to the cruiser. Comes back 5 minutes later telling me that he simply doesn't have time to write me up for all these infractions, and drives away giving me a verbal warning.
I don't blame him for stopping me, but I don't see where the attitude came from. Oh well.
Then at the NY state border, I had the nicest border guard ever. We were even joking about things and having a conversation while he checked my paperwork.
Made it to our son Alex's school in Plattsburgh, where he took me out for lunch to one of the campus dining halls. Buffet style, and a pretty good lunch.
We did some running around for the afternoon, and then in the evening went to a local pool hall and shot some balls around the table.
Tomorrow, I'm headed for Bangor, Maine...and then Friday I'll be back in Nova Scotia with Ruth and Whiskey and Sherman!
Glad to hear you didn't actually get a ticket. Power certainly seems to turn some people into maniacs!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time with your son!
Glad you didn't get a ticket. He was obviously having a bad day.
ReplyDeleteAfter driving Sherman for the last 6 months the little car seems like a toy, glad you didn't get a ticket. Safe travels. It such a beautiful drive thru New England.
ReplyDeleteI had to research the term "stunt driving" as I had never heard it before. Seems like it is only used in Ontario and carries a minimum fine of $2000. Makes my $655. fine seem small. Is everything more expensive in Canada?
ReplyDeleteMust have had a fight with the wife before going to work..
ReplyDeleteGlad he didn't give you a ticket. He must have been having a really bad day. Welcome back.. :)
ReplyDeleteNow don't anyone take this the wrong way, since I'm actually going to refer to a farm animal, but it just so happens that there's a double meaning.
ReplyDeleteThere's an expression that goes something like this. (Look up George Bernard Shaw if you care to... )
"Never wrestle with a pig, you get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."
In these situations, it's usually best to just be polite, or try to, and hope something more pressing comes along. There's no advantage in being antagonistic.
There might also have been a moment of reflection there when he realised that if in fact he charged you, the two of you might just end up in court. And he might just lose.
Pretty sure his head would explode if he drove in a city like Brussels, or San Juan Puerto Rico. I've seen some whacky driving!
After a lifetime in Law enforcement, all you can say is they draw from the human race so you get all kinds and some are harder to weed out than others. I remember the instructor in the Highway Patrol Academy, a wise old Sergeant who was close to retirement telling us that at that time the average number of times the average citizen came in any kind of contact with a police officer was, ONCE, Then he would pause and say How do you want to be remembered? It really stood out me with me and I kept it with me during my 30plus years on the street. Won't make any excuses for some other officer's inappropriate behavior, since a little while later you saw the difference in the Border Officer's attitude. Glad it didn't ruin your day.Be safe out there and have a safe trip home to see Cameron. Sam & Donna...
ReplyDeleteTony and Helen like the header picture today!! 3 Foot of air, Ha Ha!!
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling.
Wow! Gas prices in Canada must really be high! The cheapest gas prices around here (California) is $4.05 per gal.
ReplyDeleteI think being quiet and letting the officer vent was your best bet. You were in the wrong and who knows what he has had to deal with that day already!
ReplyDeleteGood move.
Cheers!
Kevin and Evelyn...We are happy he didn't get a ticket too!
ReplyDeleteKaren and Al...I hope he just had a bad day and isn't always like that.
George and Suzie...Yeah, is seems like a little go-cart. I am sure he will enjoy the drive, it is much prettier that way than on the four lanes going through Canada.
Dave...Yes, this is an Ontario "thing" and yes, everything is more expensive in Canada! Not only would it have been an expensive ticket, it would have cost him demerit points and probably would have affected his insurance too. I think you should have just gotten away with a verbal warning for your ticket too.
Kenny and Angela...Maybe that was the reason!
pidge...Kevin was lucky.
Bob...I think you hit the nail on the head! I think once he saw that Kevin had a perfect driving record, that he wouldn't have a chance in court and just let things be.
Sam and Donna...I like what your wise old Sergeant said.
Tony and Helen...That was a fun holiday. Will have to do it again. Kevin has a picture of Helen seconds before she took to the air.
The Old Geezer...Yup, they sure are. Nova Scotia and Quebec have the highest prices in Canada. Right now here in Nova Scotia 1 litre is $1.33 which works out to be $5.03 a US Gallon.
WBY...You bet it is. You will almost never win if you argue, especially with one having a bad day. Better to save that up for the day you take them to court to fight the ticket. Luckily we don't have to think about that.
Kevin, Ruth and Whiskey