For most of the nearly 25 years I served in the AF I was a pilot. However, mid-way through my career I injured my right hand in a power tool incident, lost my medical for four years, and ended up spending those years as a cop. So, I'll give you some clues about life on the other side of the flashing lights.
As has been pointed out above, cops are generally looking for anything out of the ordinary...speeding, drunks, running red lights, obstructing traffic, etc. That's NOT profiling...that's doing their public safety job. Think about it this way, how would the public react if the cops announced they could no longer pull someone over they suspected of DUI because to do so would be "profiling"? Kind'a ridiculous, eh?
Nearly everyone here applauds Trikk's standing up for his rights, so let's use his example of how to deal constructively with LEOs. First of all, driving 10 mph under the speed limit on an empty road late in the evening is one hallmark of a drunk driver, and since getting drunks off the road always up near the top of every jurisdiction's priorities, you can expect to attract attention if you fit this mold. Flipping your mirror to night-mode when the spot light comes on is another, as drunks often forget to do this when they climb into a car at night. Also, a drunk's eyes are slow to constrict from a sudden increase in bright light, so Trikk now has two indicators of DUI, and any cop would be warranted in investigating further.
So he flips on the lights. Now, every State has laws about how you are required to react to a cop's implied order to pull over (the lights and/or siren). The details differ, but in short, you are required to stop in a safe and expeditious manner. Coasting for a mile to show your irritation just sets you up for an evading arrest charge if it comes to writing paper.
Likewise talking back to the officer. Every State has laws requiring you to follow the orders of the police. If he/she tells you to shut it except for answering questions, you fail to do so at your legal peril. And beat the ticket with a fancy lawyer or not, you are still sucking up local taxpayer dollars spending a night in jail and/or having to make a court appearance because you couldn't resist shooting your mouth off. As Forest would say, "Stupid is as stupid does". From the evidence submitted, it strikes me that the officer showed considerable restraint.
So, how
DOES one hypermile with a minimum hassle? First of all, know the local traffic laws.
1. For instance, in Arizona the minimum speed is 10 mph under the posted limit, except on the freeway, where it is 55 (max 75). If your jurisdiction doesn't have a minimum, you're good to go unless you're obstructing traffic. You can no more flaunt the minimum than you can the maximum, so know the local requirements.
2. Second, if you are pulled over "for hypermiling", keep in mind that to a cop you may "look" like a drunk. If he/she pulls you over, this is your opportunity to educate/convert him/her. Acting like a morally indignant asshat does not leave a good impression, nor expedite you on your way, so keep your attitude in check. Here are some practical tips:
a. Pull over safely and promptly and turn off the engine. Leave your hands on the wheel at 10 and 2. If he/she wants your documentation, they'll ask you for it. Open the appropriate window so the officer can speak to you. If the cop asks you to step out of the car and come back to theirs, what they are doing is observing you to see if you move like a drunk. So get out promptly and alertly and follow the officer's instructions. Move normally...in other words, allay their suspicions.
b. Make eye contact, speak clearly and smile as you would in a normal conversation with a customer, coworker or supervisor. That's what sober people do when the interact with each other. Drunks vary from head down and mumbling (excessively submissive) to aggressive and belligerent. Show the officer through your actions that you are a sober and responsible member of the public who happens to be doing something a bit out of the ordinary, and not some cleverer-than-normal drunk driver.
3. When the officer asks what you are doing driving 10 mph under the limit ("Do you know why I pulled you over?"), this is your chance to explain that you are safely hypermiling...saving fuel by driving slightly slower than the posted limit. Keep it short and to the point. If the officer wants more information, he will ask for it. Chances are you will now be on your way, but if the officer writes you a ticket, sign it. Save the arguments for court. That is your chance to argue that you were not a hazard to traffic, driving too slowly, etc.
4. Finally, watch Chris Rock's video,
.
Cheers! Stan
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