Why Slamming on Your Brakes When You See a Cop in Illinois is a Bad Idea

As a driver in Illinois, it's important to remember that the road is a shared space and that we all have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and drive safely. That's why I wanted to write this open letter to all the drivers in the state who have a tendency to slam on their brakes when they see a cop on the side of the road. Not only is this behavior dangerous, but it's also unnecessary and unproductive.

Let's take a look at why it's best to just take a deep breath and relax when we see a cop on the side of the road.

Dear Illinois drivers,

I know that seeing a cop on the side of the road can be intimidating. I get it - no one wants to get pulled over and potentially receive a ticket. But here's the thing: slamming on your brakes when you see a cop is not going to help you avoid getting pulled over. In fact, it's only going to make the situation worse.

First of all, it's dangerous. When you slam on your brakes, you risk causing a rear-end collision. Not only could you damage your own vehicle, but you could also harm the driver behind you. And let's be real, no one wants to explain to their insurance company that they crashed their car because they saw a cop and panicked.

Secondly, it's unnecessary. Trust me, the cop is not going to pull you over just for braking excessively. If you're following the speed limit and driving safely, you have nothing to worry about. And even if you do happen to get pulled over, being courteous and respectful to the officer will go a long way. It's much better to take a deep breath, relax, and calmly pull over to the side of the road than to cause a scene and potentially escalate the situation.

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While we're on the subject of Illinois driving, I'd be remiss not to mention the state's "Move Over" law, also known as Scott's Law. This law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights, including police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. The purpose of this law is to protect first responders and other emergency personnel who are working on the side of the road.

Obeying Scott's Law is not only the law, it's also a common sense safety measure. When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, it means that someone is in need of assistance. By slowing down or changing lanes, you're giving them the space they need to work safely. Plus, it's just the right thing to do.

So next time you see a cop on the side of the road, try not to panic. Remember, they're just doing their job. And who knows, maybe they'll even give you a friendly wave instead of a ticket.

Sincerely, A concerned (but still pretty witty) fellow driver