GTcarz - Automotive forums for cars & trucks. - Protect yourself from an unfair system

Quote:

Originally Posted by civtegra90

In spring '04, I got a 10 over, then a year later a 20 over, my company booted me (and my dad cause I was on his policy) pure B/S.

Ya know, I sometimes think kids are spoiled and have it way too easy these days, but you guys are really getting hosed "big-time". The cops are anxious to impress their chief with a truckload of daily citations, and the chief is anxious to impress his municipality with vast amounts of "taxes" collected. And the insurance guys are just plain anxious to pay themselves! No, I think you guys are living in the WORST time ever! A hard working kid doesn't stand a chance today. There's just too many hurdles to clear.

I have just two suggestions:
1) Fight EVERY ticket. No matter how lame your defence, you'll find you get better at it with every trial. The courtroom setting is very intimidating for the uninitiated, but you'll become more comfortable with it the more you go. Be courtious to EVERYONE there, no matter how much you despise them. Invest in a high-quailty traffic law book (ie. The Law of Traffic Offences, S. Hutchison). Read it over and over before bed. You may have to work an entire weekend to afford it, but it's an investment in your future. Become familiar with the HTA (Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8) Most drivers don't know the specifics of many traffic laws, and the cops take full advantage of it. The POA (Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33) is also a wealth of information on procedural matters regarding traffic law enforcement and courtroom procedure.

2) Look, I know they're illegal, but I wouldn't have made it through my "youth" without my radar detector. It literaly saved my lisence which in turn, saved my job, which in turn saved my apartment. In the early 80's the real concern was "points". My insurance never budged despite having 5 tickets within 3 years and 13 points on my record.. AND I drove a 455ci GTO. Now you're dropped for having 5 lousy points on your record?? What a joke. Protect yourself from the "machine" and look into a good radar detector. You HAVE to know what your doing though, or you'll lose it quickly to the cops. Do your research and know your rights! Never consent to a search of your car or person. You may get searched anyway but now there may be grounds for dismissal based on illegal search. (this link is American but you'll get the jist of it: YouTube - BUSTED: The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters)

BTW, as awefull as my record was, I never caused an accident, and I never made any outrageous insurance claims (a couple windsheilds and a stolen stereo). The money saved on insurance increases went directly into the economy in other ways, such as rent for my own apartment. Now the insurance man gets it all, while kids are stuck living with their parents well into their 20's. Oddly enough, my insurance company doubled my rate when I turned 40 (because I suddenly got two minor tickets within a 2 year period). After a lifelong relationship, I dumped their azzes and switched companies (still bitter about that!).

10 or 20 over is usually NOT that dangerous (depending on conditions). I do that every day, as do most of the cars around me. Kids have always been easy targets for the cops and that will never change. If (like me) you find it unreasonable to obey EVERY speed limit ALL the time, you're gonna' have to learn how to protect yourself. And try not to get mad at the cop. Say very little and just wait for your chance to question him on the stand. I can't tell you how good it made me feel (as a 17 yr.old) making a cop squirm on the stand with a line of well rehearsed questions. And a win will make you feel grrrrrrreat!