Earlier this week, as I was returning home I encountered a red traffic light. I stopped. While waiting for the light to change, I noticed something red in the bushes about twenty or thirty rods ahead. I had my binoculars on the seat next to me, and I wondered if this was a Red Headed Woodpecker, so I peeked.
What I saw originally was the red hatband of a cop. He was hiding in the bushes with a speed gun. I had the ‘pole position’ and the opposing light was now yellow. Any second now, the stoplight Indy will start.
Sure enough, when the light turned green, the race began. I gave the throttle a good stomp and a mile or two before reaching the posted limit; I activated my cruise control. Everyone sailed past me as if I had put my car into reverse. At least a dozen cars which were behind me originally had passed and were now jockeying for the lead. An abundant supply of candidates followed these leaders. Obeying the posted speed limit has transformed me into an obstacle and a nuisance. People waved as they passed. They saved effort by using only one finger.
My cop jumped out from behind the bushes and stood on the curb waving his arms at the traffic. Everyone disregarded him and continued at equal or greater speed. The cop began pointing at cars. Same results!
By this time, I’ve arrived at the place the cop was standing and I could see the frustration on his face. Without the means to chase the cars and stop them, he was impotent. The cars knew it, and he knew it. I checked my mirror after travelling some distance further and saw the cop re-taking his position among the bushes.
Between yesterday and today, I’ve driven through two speed traps and two seat-belt inspections. Unlike the Lone Ranger in the bushes, these events are well organised. They each had two cops doing the checking, two cops available for chasing, and another two ‘interacting with the public’, as they call it. (Writing tickets, as I call it.)
Spring is in the air. The snow’s gone and the buds are appearing on the bushes. The flowers are beginning to bloom, and neighbours are working in their garden. The cops are out too, and they’re watching for you.
Watch for them!
Cheers, PW. |
