“I’ve gotten pulled over three times and I’ve had my license for 8 months,” confessed Misa Bradford, a junior at Zeeland East. It’s almost inevitable that a teen will get pulled over within their first year of driving. While safe driving is extremely important it’s always good to be prepared just in case you do see those blue and red lights in your rearview mirror. For 1) Look for a convenient spot to pull over. If you're driving at night turn on your blinker and drive to a lited area. 2) Stay relaxed. 3) Place your car in park and turn off the ignition. 4) Roll down your drivers side window, and any windows that are tinted. Don’t make any sudden movements or reach towards the passengers side. A cop may think you’re reaching for something dangerous. 5) Keep your hands in plain sight, preferably on the top of the steering wheel, with your fingers visible. 6) When the officer comes to your window don’t speak first. Let him talk. 7) Keep answers non- committal and brief. If an officers asks if there was a good reason to be hurrying say, “no.” If you say, “yes,” then they will believe you were and you’ll get the ticket no matter what. 8) Be polite and don’t argue if given a ticket. Always remain respectful toward the officer and all times. Never let your anger get the best of you! It will never hurt you to stay respectful and if you’re lucky he may just let you off with a warning. However, if you can, avoid this whole process by following speed limits and be a law abiding citizen.