One More Off Of The List

As we age, our 'first time' experiences become less and less.  Yesterday I had a 'first' that I would have been happy never to experience.  I got stopped by a cop for the first time...

We have gotten quite a bit of snow over the last few weeks, so our snow banks are substantial.  This, of course, makes it a little difficult to pull out of parking lots onto the road, as it is hard to see if other vehicles are approaching.  I was leaving the gym yesterday and pulled out in front of another vehicle, so I sped up so that the other driver wouldn't have to slow down.  This was all well and good, as I wasn't going over the speed limit, but I WAS too close to the intersection to be going the speed I was.  As I approached the intersection, the light turned yellow.  I didn't know whether to slam on my brakes--NOT an option, as far as I was concerned--or just continue on through the intersection.  Despite the fact that I wouldn't get through before the light turned red, I couldn't see braking and possibly be rear-ended by the vehicle behind me.  And all would have been fine except for the fact that a cop was stopped at the intersection, waiting to make a left turn.  As I passed her, she pointed at the light and I knew what was coming.

Never having been through this before, I really wasn't too sure what to do.  The street I was on is quite busy and with all of the snow, there isn't a shoulder to pull onto.  I thought of going into the parking lot of a business, but just went as far to the right as possible.  The cop pulled up behind me--with lights flashing--and came over to the window.  Just before she asked, I realized that I needed to give my proof of insurance and registration.  --DAMN!!!   $$%*)((&^^$#@@%^%^&!!!!!--  I instantly realized that my new proof of insurance was sitting on the counter in my kitchen--I had neglected to put it in the Envoy!  NOW I'm in trouble!!  I explained what was going on and the cop took my documentation to her car.  And I sat and waited to find out how much this fiasco would cost me.

I must have been pretty convincing with my story--I guess the truth IS pretty convincing--because I got off with a warning.  She believed that I DO have insurance, as my old proof was only a couple of days expired. I am very lucky that she was a university campus cop and not a state trooper or city cop--I think she was a bit more willing to give me a break.  This very much was a lesson learned and it will be a long time--if ever--before I willingly go through a yellow light again.