Monday, May 14, 2007

Criminal

I got my very first speeding ticket last week. Oh, I have been pulled over before (twice) but never received a ticket. I remember the first time I was pulled over which was about 9 years ago. I was so nervous, I had no idea how to react or respond. But I digress...

I was going the speed limit - 35 - on a 4 lane highway and came to a school zone that I didn't notice. So I should have been doing 20. I actually noticed the high school and that the car in front of me had slowed way down. My brain just didn't process the obvious reason, so I passed said car. And soon saw flashing lights in my rear view mirror.

So basically my pride is hurt, no more perfect driving record. I'm second guessing my driving now and trying to be extra cautious. But the truth of the matter is that I have certainly NOT been a perfect driver. Just not been CAUGHT at it before...

I went to the court clerk today to see if I could pay the fines, but the ticket has not been processed yet. I will have to go back. But I will be able to pay a little extra and take "On line Traffic School" and it won't go on my record. So that's nice. Denis and I go on our trip to Portland this Friday. So I'll have to take care of my ticket when we get back.

9 comments:

Nixter said...

Have a nice time away. Sorry about the ticket, loved the title of your post.. ;)

Tracy said...

thanks, Nix.
I'm going to write more about our plans for Portland.

judi/Gmj said...

Way to go Tracy!! You passed a car in a school zone? Well, if you are going to infarct, do it big! Good deal on the trafic school thing :o)

Martha said...

I got my first (and only so far) ticket on Father's Day about 8 years ago. I was doing 45 in a 35 and was about 100 feet from the "Speed Limit 45" sign. To top it off he asked me what I was drinking. (I had a glass of iced tea between my knees.)

Tracy said...

That's the thing that's so hard to swallow. The officer talks to you like you are a child or a habitual criminal. They have no idea what your story is or your driving record until they run your license. I got a lecture about the school zone and safety. But after he ran my card, he was a bit kinder and explained the ticket, charges and such... I know that they have to approach a stopped car very cautiously, but that doesn't make it easier on the pride.

Rachel said...

Sorry about your ticket. I was only 18 when I got my first speeding ticket. I was going 50 in a 35, just driving with a friend late at night and not paying attention. The worst of it was when I passed him going the opposite direction, I saw his brake lights go on and he turned around. I instantly turned down a side street to try to hide, but he saw me and wondered where I was going. I was so upset I woke my sleeping mother when I got home to tell her (I was looking for some sympathy) She called me a "jerk" and went back to sleep. I cried. We laugh about it now...she felt terrible the next day.

Martha said...

When I got my ticket Mom said, "Martha! How could you?" This coming from a woman who never had a driver's license. I had to forgive her.

joeks said...

Tracy-sorry about the ticket.

Rachel-that is so funny about turning down the side street! You must have been in panic mode. I tend to hit the brakes when I meet a patrol car, even if I'm going under the speed limit.

Martha said...

Rachel, don't say it!