Drivers keep talking to dodge tickets

Lt. Doug McCleve understands that the thought of a patrol car's flashing lights in the rearview mirror doesn't appeal to any Utah motorist.

"When we pull behind them, it's not a fun experience for them," said McCleve, spokesman for the Utah Highway Patrol. "A lot of times it's a traumatic experience and they're not happy to see us."

On the other hand, McCleve said, patrol officers never know what to expect when they pull a car over. But a recent survey by Response Insurance, a national car insurer, reveals drivers are prone to try talking their way out of a ticket if they have more money, more children, higher education, more testosterone and a cell phone.

According to the Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey, 22 percent of men vs. 13 percent of women, attempt to dissuade officers from issuing a moving citation.

The survey also found 25 percent of drivers with incomes over $75,000 try to dodge the fee, as opposed to just 16 percent of those making under $25,000. About 21 percent of drivers with children also make the attempt, compared with 11 percent of singles; as well as 20 percent of college-educated drivers, as opposed to 10 percent with less than a high school diploma.

In addition, 19 percent of drivers who talk on cell phones while behind the wheel try to drive away without a fine, as opposed to 14 percent of non-cell phone users.

Jeff Nigbur, spokesman for Utah Highway Patrol, said he's pulled over an estimated 6,500 cars during his five years as a patrol officer. Most drivers tend to give the "I'm late" excuse, Nigbur said, to explain their lead foot.

Extravagant explanations are rare, but when an officer hears a creative excuse the rest of the patrol is sure to hear about it, he said. One officer told Nigbur a woman claimed she sped because "it was just that time of the month."

Generally, a motorist looking to dodge a ticket will get confrontational, Nigbur said. He frequently heard, "That wasn't me," "You got the wrong person," "How can you prove that was me?" or "Show me your radar" seeking to establish probable doubt.

"Typically, if someone wants to get out of a ticket they fight verbally with you," he said. "It happens every day."

Nigbur said honesty will usually win over an officer instead of far-fetched excuses or confrontational attitudes.

"Personally, if I see honesty," he said, "I will be more likely to give a break on the speed or just issue a warning."

---

E-mail: jdana@desnews.com