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Sassy, this one's for you!

earthmommaearthmommaOld Faithful
Is there a law about automobile headlights being on during a blinding rain storm? If so, law enforcement could have made a mint by enforcing it on the Patton Island Bridge yesterday. If there is such a law, why isn't it enforced or taken off the books?

I am an essentially flawed individual who nevertheless does the right thing enough of the time.

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LMMLMMOld Faithful
I'm not sassy, but found this.

A Message from Alabama State Troopers

*HP
By dialing *HP or *47, motorists with cellular phones may contact a nearby Alabama State Trooper post to report traffic accidents, stranded motorists, suspected drunken drivers, or other highway emergencies or hazards.

Speed Limits
Alabama's maximum speed limit is 70 mph/112.5 km on specified rural interstates unless otherwise marked.

Lights on When Raining
Alabama requires the use of low-beam headlights when driving in the rain.
Sassy KimsSassy KimsOld Faithful
Code of Alabama
Section 32-5-240
Required lighting equipment and illuminating devices of vehicles.

(a) When lighted headlamps required.

(1) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state, except a parked vehicle, which shall be subject to Section 32-5-244, shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices required by this section for different classes of vehicles at the following times:

b. At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of rain, sleet, or snow, except when the use is intermittent because of misting rain, sleet, or snow.



With that being the law, it's easy for the legislature to pass such a feel good law. It's a different matter entirely when you're standing in that pouring rain, soaked to the skin, freezing to death, while some idjit driver searches for the tag receipt and proof of insurance they DON'T really have in the car, just to write a ticket that you know the judge is going to dismiss, or send to driving school. Not to mention the safety issue of standing on the edge of the road during a rainstorm while cars whiz by.
earthmommaearthmommaOld Faithful
Thanks. I was not critizing you. I believe the key words are the ones about the judge. Four cars in a row in yesterday's rain kind of got to me. I do not want you in the rain I was in yesterday for no good reason! It seems that some drivers say that they have no problem and do not care about other drivers. Fog is the same situation as you know. Light colored cars seem to be the worst offenders! LOL Philosophically I am concerned about having laws which are not enforced on the books. Yu all do a great job! Keep it up!
unclegusunclegusOld Faithful
Sassy You have my respect in as far as the job you do. But, what I make out of what you are telling is that if you think there may be other crimes being you would use the no light issue to pull one over to get to the other issues? Wouldn't that be profiling? Not to change the subject.
I do know for a fact that Tennessee does use this tactic. I have seen any number of speed violators be looked over, but when the trooper see's a car that may have other violations such as possible drug possession will get pulled over and wind up with the full attention of several officers.
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by unclegus:
Sassy You have my respect in as far as the job you do. But, what I make out of what you are telling is that if you think there may be other crimes being you would use the no light issue to pull one over to get to the other issues? Wouldn't that be profiling? Not to change the subject.
I do know for a fact that Tennessee does use this tactic. I have seen any number of speed violators be looked over, but when the trooper see's a car that may have other violations such as possible drug possession will get pulled over and wind up with the full attention of several officers.


unclegus, what would be so wrong with that?
Another drug dealing, gun slinging thug off the streets?
Im sorry, but profiling is something that has & will be continued in order for Police Officers to do their jobs.
_Joy__Joy_Old Faithful
My husband and I were just discussing this on the way back from church when we had yet another near miss...way too many near misses lately. It's like half the town has a death wish or something this week.

I am used to the occasional ninny...don't know if that is a Shoals area thing or nationwide...but no kidding, worse lately.
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
My husband and I were just discussing this on the way back from church when we had yet another near miss...way too many near misses lately. It's like half the town has a death wish or something this week.

I am used to the occasional ninny...don't know if that is a Shoals area thing or nationwide...but no kidding, worse lately.


Yes It Is Worse!
I was recently in a bad wreck in East Florence at our lovely intersection,
and the guy @ fault actually told me that he was stressed out trying to get to work,
he was running late & it was his first day on his new job, after being unemployed for 3 months.
I felt sorry for the guy, it ruined his car & mine. He was insured with good insurance (Farmers) and the wreck was his fault, but it put us both out of commission for a while. I have cracked ribs & it broke his nose.
His insurance company was fantastic, and the guy even called himself & checked on me.
It was a bad accident, but it was a good outcome, the cars & medical were dealt with promptly, and he was even able to keep his new job, which made me feel even better.
L lawguy07Hall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by FloTownDown08:
quote:
Originally posted by unclegus:
Sassy You have my respect in as far as the job you do. But, what I make out of what you are telling is that if you think there may be other crimes being you would use the no light issue to pull one over to get to the other issues? Wouldn't that be profiling? Not to change the subject.
I do know for a fact that Tennessee does use this tactic. I have seen any number of speed violators be looked over, but when the trooper see's a car that may have other violations such as possible drug possession will get pulled over and wind up with the full attention of several officers.


unclegus, what would be so wrong with that?
Another drug dealing, gun slinging thug off the streets?
Im sorry, but profiling is something that has & will be continued in order for Police Officers to do their jobs.


Yeah, I'm sure it wouldn't bother you to stand out in the pouring, freezing rain to hassle a young black man driving a car with 24" inch rims just because his tag light is out. Maybe he's got some dope on him. OH NO! You can call it profiling, I call it harassment.
Sassy KimsSassy KimsOld Faithful
quote:
Originally posted by unclegus:
Sassy You have my respect in as far as the job you do. But, what I make out of what you are telling is that if you think there may be other crimes being you would use the no light issue to pull one over to get to the other issues? Wouldn't that be profiling? Not to change the subject.
I do know for a fact that Tennessee does use this tactic. I have seen any number of speed violators be looked over, but when the trooper see's a car that may have other violations such as possible drug possession will get pulled over and wind up with the full attention of several officers.


Not what I was saying at all, UG. What I was saying is that Officers have a hard time enforcing laws that they know the court is going to be lenient with, or throw out all together..especially when it involves the Officer placing himself in uncomfortable/dangerous surroundings to enforce that law.

Racial (or Ethnic) Profiling would be using the no headlights (or other violations, or conditions) as probable cause to stop only Blacks, or only Hispanics, or only Red Necks for the purpose of further investigation. I won't condone the use of racial or ethnic profiling, but do condone the use of legitimate violations as probable cause for traffic stops. Example: A car weaving across the centerline. If it turns out to be a mother trying to get a toddler to stay in the car seat, you'll be hard pressed to get a judge to convict (or me to write at ticket) for improper lane useage. Same scenario, now it's a drunk with a BAC of .20. Besides the DUI, he's also getting a ILU ticket to boot. Driving profile of both is the same...weaving across the centerline.
LMMLMMOld Faithful
quote:
Originally posted by FloTownDown08:
quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
My husband and I were just discussing this on the way back from church when we had yet another near miss...way too many near misses lately. It's like half the town has a death wish or something this week.

I am used to the occasional ninny...don't know if that is a Shoals area thing or nationwide...but no kidding, worse lately.


Yes It Is Worse!
I was recently in a bad wreck in East Florence at our lovely intersection,
and the guy @ fault actually told me that he was stressed out trying to get to work,
he was running late & it was his first day on his new job, after being unemployed for 3 months.
I felt sorry for the guy, it ruined his car & mine. He was insured with good insurance (Farmers) and the wreck was his fault, but it put us both out of commission for a while. I have cracked ribs & it broke his nose.
His insurance company was fantastic, and the guy even called himself & checked on me.
It was a bad accident, but it was a good outcome, the cars & medical were dealt with promptly, and he was even able to keep his new job, which made me feel even better.


I am so glad it turned out alright.
I just got over bruised ribs, and every time I sneezed, I thought I was going to die!
Traffic IS a lot worse. Going back and forth to UNA for my son everyday is a nightmare. It's usually 3 or 4 near misses everyday.
Everyone put on those seat belts and pray. Atheists, put on your seat belt, I'll pray for you! Big Grin
earthmommaearthmommaOld Faithful
Sassy, this is meant to be facetious because I know it cannot be done! My solution for the headlight situation is to put up roadblocks in unannounced places and collect the fine before the person leaves the roadblock. Much cheaper and the judge will not be bothered! As for profiling, watch for the white cars! LOL I did not mean to put you on the spot but I knew you would know the answer to my original question. Thanks for taking care of us!
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by lawguy07:
quote:
Originally posted by FloTownDown08:
quote:
Originally posted by unclegus:
Sassy You have my respect in as far as the job you do. But, what I make out of what you are telling is that if you think there may be other crimes being you would use the no light issue to pull one over to get to the other issues? Wouldn't that be profiling? Not to change the subject.
I do know for a fact that Tennessee does use this tactic. I have seen any number of speed violators be looked over, but when the trooper see's a car that may have other violations such as possible drug possession will get pulled over and wind up with the full attention of several officers.


unclegus, what would be so wrong with that?
Another drug dealing, gun slinging thug off the streets?
Im sorry, but profiling is something that has & will be continued in order for Police Officers to do their jobs.


Yeah, I'm sure it wouldn't bother you to stand out in the pouring, freezing rain to hassle a young black man driving a car with 24" inch rims just because his tag light is out. Maybe he's got some dope on him. OH NO! You can call it profiling, I call it harassment.


Hey lawguy...Why does he have to be black? That sounded quite racist of you!
L lawguy07Hall of Famer
No, I wasn't being racist at all. I was simply making a point. A middle-aged white person driving around with no tag light probably wouldn't get stopped at all. If they did, they would likely get a warning and be on their way. The person I mentioned is going to be stopped based on a "profile." He's going to get put out of the car and asked if the cop can search the car, patted down, etc. Sure, they will frequently find drugs, guns, or whatever. That's the law and we just have to deal with it. But how many cases where the driver is "clean" do they have to put up with this crap just because of the color of their skin?
L lawguy07Hall of Famer
From your post below, I'd say you're the one who's racist (or anti-Muslim, if that counts as racist).

Who do you think Osama is going to send over to marter the next terrorist attacks? A black man? A white man? A mexican?
NO! A MUSLIM!


If you are a Muslim & look like you are a Muslim, that is where & when their mouths should have been closed & had their minds on What they were doing/saying & Where they were at?

& No! Im not one to be speaking out on profiling.
Yes, I know its wrong, unfair & unjust....
BUT!
I don't care what people say about it, I know it HAS to play a factor in helping our Law Enforcement take thugs off the streets.
AGAIN!! As I said, Im not saying its the right thing, but do not tell me that you dont pass judgement on people by their appearances.
Same difference!
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by lawguy07:
From your post below, I'd say you're the one who's racist (or anti-Muslim, if that counts as racist).

Who do you think Osama is going to send over to marter the next terrorist attacks? A black man? A white man? A mexican?
NO! A MUSLIM!


If you are a Muslim & look like you are a Muslim, that is where & when their mouths should have been closed & had their minds on What they were doing/saying & Where they were at?

& No! Im not one to be speaking out on profiling.
Yes, I know its wrong, unfair & unjust....
BUT!
I don't care what people say about it, I know it HAS to play a factor in helping our Law Enforcement take thugs off the streets.
AGAIN!! As I said, Im not saying its the right thing, but do not tell me that you dont pass judgement on people by their appearances.
Same difference!


No, I am only anti-terrorist.
Do you have a closing argument on their behalf as well?
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by lawguy07:
No, I wasn't being racist at all. I was simply making a point. A middle-aged white person driving around with no tag light probably wouldn't get stopped at all. If they did, they would likely get a warning and be on their way. The person I mentioned is going to be stopped based on a "profile." He's going to get put out of the car and asked if the cop can search the car, patted down, etc. Sure, they will frequently find drugs, guns, or whatever. That's the law and we just have to deal with it. But how many cases where the driver is "clean" do they have to put up with this crap just because of the color of their skin?


I am sure if we could see some kind of statistics, there would be a whole lot more guilty than innocent!
If they are coded when through the NCIC, do you still think that is profiling?
If they are continually seen in a drug infested area & are pulled over, is that profiling?
What about if the Officer has had a previous run in with the person or maybe someone else who is just a passenger? Its just not as simple as the young black male with 22's.
S soulretriever53Everybody Knows My Name
Had to respond. 3 or 4 years ago my son was attending UNA. He drove over to pick up a friend who happened to live on what is commonly referred to as "The West Side". At the time he was driving a black BMW with tinted windows. My yuppie looking son was pulled over and his car searched for about 45 minutes. The law enforcement officers wanted to know where "his guns and drugs were?"
Sassy KimsSassy KimsOld Faithful
quote:
Originally posted by earthmomma:
GOOF GRIEF, FOLKS !! I only asked Sassy to clarify the law concerning headlights in the rain because I respected his knowledge. Sassy, I apologize. I did not mean to initiate a frontal attack on law enforcement and its tactics..


Not to worry. I'm used to it. It rarely provokes a response from me anymore. Most of these rants turn out to be like the "one mile per hour over the limit" speeding tickets you hear about....a great story, but unable to be authenticated.
T TheTotalTruthHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by Sassy Kims:
quote:
Originally posted by earthmomma:
GOOF GRIEF, FOLKS !! I only asked Sassy to clarify the law concerning headlights in the rain because I respected his knowledge. Sassy, I apologize. I did not mean to initiate a frontal attack on law enforcement and its tactics..


Not to worry. I'm used to it. It rarely provokes a response from me anymore. Most of these rants turn out to be like the "one mile per hour over the limit" speeding tickets you hear about....a great story, but unable to be authenticated.


FWIW... Sassy... I enjoyed your comments since you are an Officer and it is your take on the situations......

Thanks!.....
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by ^PuF^:
quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
Oh, man, I'm glad you are alright, so to speak, but know the cracked ribs have to hurt. I guess we better all check our worries at the door before we get in the car to drive. Be careful out there, everybody. Smiler


I guess there is an advantage to never going anywhere.... Big Grin


Well I thought you worked, Puf.
I never go anywhere either, I was heading to work after just dropping my daughter off at school. But you know, you really dont have to be going anywhere fancy for this to happen to you.
P ^PuF^Old Faithful
I do volunteer work a few days a week, about a mile from where i live, but other than that and buying groceries, i rarely go anywhere. On the average i put less than 15 miles a week on my car. I was just joking with my remark.

You are very right about not having to go anywhere for it to happen, and i'm vary sorry that happened to you. I've always been surprised that there's never been more wrecks at that intersection.
S soulretriever53Everybody Knows My Name
GOOD GRIEF FOLKS! A frontal attack on law enforcement and their tactics? If you're referencing what I posted about my son, it is the truth. He was in a fraternity at the time, he looked the part. He just happened to be driving the wrong kind of car in the "wrong" part of town (according to some people). If he had been anywhere else they wouldn't have even glanced at him. Racism and profiling are alive and well, watch the news occasionally.
Sassy KimsSassy KimsOld Faithful
quote:
Originally posted by soulretriever53:
GOOD GRIEF FOLKS! A frontal attack on law enforcement and their tactics? If you're referencing what I posted about my son, it is the truth. He was in a fraternity at the time, he looked the part. He just happened to be driving the wrong kind of car in the "wrong" part of town (according to some people). If he had been anywhere else they wouldn't have even glanced at him. Racism and profiling are alive and well, watch the news occasionally.


You posted previously:
quote:
At the time he was driving a black BMW with tinted windows


Pray tell, where do you get that training that makes you able to look through tinted windows and identify who is inside? I'm luck to be able to tell it's occupied.

BTW, you stated that your son looked the part, was driving the " wrong kind of car" in the " wrong part of town ".

So, using your logic, if I see a masked individual standing in your driveway, next to your car, with a crowbar in hand, in the middle of the night, then he's probably just a night repairman with a bad skin condition? Which would you rather I asked him: if he was there to repair the car, or was he trying to steal your stereo? Or would you rather that I just drive by and leave him to his chosen profession?

Or what if I have information that a yellow van with a ladder rack is a suspect vehicle in the area where several people have been murdered? Wouldn't you want me to stop every yellow van with a ladder rack I see. The people I've sworn to protect want me to.

Your son was in a high crime area, in a suspicious vehicle, with a suspicious (by your own admission) look about him. He was detained for a short while, but you mention no arrest. If his vehicle was searched, it had to either be by his consent, or search incident to a lawful arrest, or search incident to impoundment, or a completely illegal search...in which case your son should have already received his settlement for his civil rights violation case by now.
S soulretriever53Everybody Knows My Name
Uh, I said he looked the part of a "frat boy", short hair, Kenneth Cole. "Wrong kind of car" and "Wrong part of town", IF YOU ARE BEING PROFILED. As for the violation of his civil rights, he thought it was funny, as did his friend (whose mother is a professor at UNA).
Personally, my windows of my car are tinted dark. I have a piece symbol bumpersticker, would I look suspicious?
BellaSwanBellaSwanHall of Famer
I actually agree with Sassy here.
Eeker

I would much rather officers be safe than sorry. If one is innocent, it should be no big deal to be pulled over or even your vehicle searched. It's not even offensive if you have nothing to hide...

Officers never know what they may encounter when approaching a car. Especially one with dark tinted windows.

I also wanted to add that any car can be considered suspicious at any time. It's just decided on by the officer making the stop. I am getting sick and tired of people complaining what police do (on different threads).
BellaSwanBellaSwanHall of Famer
Oh, I know profiling is alive and well. However, I have no problem with it if they're innocent-it shouldn't matter (as I stated before). I could consider a black officer pulling me over as racial profiling as well (since I'm white)...but I have nothing to hide-therefore no problem being pulled over.

Some people need to just get over it. Some traffic stops have stopped murderers, thieves and many other criminals.
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by ^PuF^:
I do volunteer work a few days a week, about a mile from where i live, but other than that and buying groceries, i rarely go anywhere. On the average i put less than 15 miles a week on my car. I was just joking with my remark.

You are very right about not having to go anywhere for it to happen, and i'm vary sorry that happened to you. I've always been surprised that there's never been more wrecks at that intersection.


Just think about whats going to happen if the City of Florence actually puts a round about style intersection down there! Good Grief!!
FloTownDownFloTownDownHall of Famer
quote:
Originally posted by Sassy Kims:
quote:
Originally posted by soulretriever53:
GOOD GRIEF FOLKS! A frontal attack on law enforcement and their tactics? If you're referencing what I posted about my son, it is the truth. He was in a fraternity at the time, he looked the part. He just happened to be driving the wrong kind of car in the "wrong" part of town (according to some people). If he had been anywhere else they wouldn't have even glanced at him. Racism and profiling are alive and well, watch the news occasionally.


You posted previously:
quote:
At the time he was driving a black BMW with tinted windows


Pray tell, where do you get that training that makes you able to look through tinted windows and identify who is inside? I'm luck to be able to tell it's occupied.

BTW, you stated that your son looked the part, was driving the " wrong kind of car" in the " wrong part of town ".

So, using your logic, if I see a masked individual standing in your driveway, next to your car, with a crowbar in hand, in the middle of the night, then he's probably just a night repairman with a bad skin condition? Which would you rather I asked him: if he was there to repair the car, or was he trying to steal your stereo? Or would you rather that I just drive by and leave him to his chosen profession?

Or what if I have information that a yellow van with a ladder rack is a suspect vehicle in the area where several people have been murdered? Wouldn't you want me to stop every yellow van with a ladder rack I see. The people I've sworn to protect want me to.

Your son was in a high crime area, in a suspicious vehicle, with a suspicious (by your own admission) look about him. He was detained for a short while, but you mention no arrest. If his vehicle was searched, it had to either be by his consent, or search incident to a lawful arrest, or search incident to impoundment, or a completely illegal search...in which case your son should have already received his settlement for his civil rights violation case by now.


I completely agree with everything in your statement Sassy!
Keep up the good work!
Sassy KimsSassy KimsOld Faithful
quote:
Originally posted by soulretriever53:
Uh, I said he looked the part of a "frat boy", short hair, Kenneth Cole. "Wrong kind of car" and "Wrong part of town", IF YOU ARE BEING PROFILED. As for the violation of his civil rights, he thought it was funny, as did his friend (whose mother is a professor at UNA).
Personally, my windows of my car are tinted dark. I have a piece symbol bumpersticker, would I look suspicious?


A peace symbol would get you stopped around the hippie commune at Summertown Big Grin

Dark tinting is a free ticket to see me draw my gun. Not necessarily point it at anybody, but have it out and ready.

Also, "frat" boys, or college students, have been found to experiment with mind altering substances, some of these substances illegal. A lot of them have been caught in areas where these substances are regularly bought and sold by being stopped for traffic or equipment violations. I have no doubt that the fine young man in question here never has indulged in illegal drugs, but millions of others have.
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