Dear Mahatma: Our coffee group had a deep discussion about what a driver should do when pulled over on a traffic stop. Some in the group say remain in the driver's seat, hands on top of the steering wheel, eyes forward, until the officer tells you what to do. Others speculated that it is safer for the officer if you exit the vehicle and stand facing the officer, which would show him you are unarmed. Please clarify. -- Coffee Drinkers
Dear Coffee: We asked Trooper Liz Chapman of the Arkansas State Police. We have personally met Trooper Chapman, and can certify that she is the bee's knees. Or something.
Chapman said the first answer is correct: Remain in the driver's seat, hands on top of the steering wheel, eyes forward, until the officer tells you what to do.
Officers are trained to detect motion, and motion means danger. When a driver gets out of his vehicle, that's an immediate concern.
Chapman said old folks sometimes get out of their car to say howdy. (We reckon members of the Coffee Drinkers fit this description.) Stay put, you friendly codgers.
All this has to do with safety.
First, Chapman said, the officer can clearly see the driver and his hands if the latter stays in the vehicle, hands on the steering wheel.
Second, it's for the driver's safety. It makes little sense to get out, especially when traffic is whizzing by. There's a reason state law requires drivers to pull over if possible when driving past a traffic stop.
Chapman said officers are generally on the defensive and one step behind. Not all people are as kind as the Coffee Drinkers so remain in your vehicle, roll the windows down, and place your hands on the steering wheel. "We will approach your vehicle and give you instructions on what to do so that the stop goes smoothly and you can get back to your day."
Dear Mahatma: For years the light towers in the area of the North Little Rock split for Interstates 30 and 40 have been out. Going north at night, especially when raining, is dangerous. I am aware of this area and so I drive carefully. I have seen several near accidents late at night in this area. I asked my alderman about this and he said the city has failed to maintain these lights. He said there are no plans to do so. -- Tommy
Dear Tommy: The city is responsible for the lights and gave up years ago on their maintenance, in part because of recurring theft of copper wire.
But there's news. Nathan Hamilton, who speaks for the city, said Mayor Joe Smith meets monthly with agencies involved in the design of the 30 Crossing project, which presumably will start next year and rebuild several miles of Interstate 30.
Hamilton said the mayor feels strongly about this issue, and assures the public that lighting will be added to the interchange in the new construction.
Fjfellone@gmail.com
Metro on 09/09/2017