Last week I was on my way to work, I was driving down Belle Terre to Palm Coast Parkway to I-95 South when I was pulled by the local Sheriff. The city is widening the road on Belle Terre so there is construction going on but unbeknown to me I didn't realize the speed limit had changed from 45 to 35. You know how it is when you are on your way to work, you are focused and thinking about what lies ahead and that's exactly what I was doing thinking about my projects and the line items that needed attention. That was until the Sheriff pulled out of the median and flashed his lights. As soon as he pulled out, I knew he was clocking me but I was exactly sure for what infraction because I didn't think I was driving that fast (remember unbeknown to me the speed had changed from 45 to 35). I pulled over and the Officer approached my vehicle.
So how do you reduce a $300 ticket down to $10 fine? Here's the secret sauce so pay attention, (1) Roll all my windows down so the Officer could clearly see into my car to allay both of our fears and to relax him. As we know from the
Tampa police shootings, there are routine traffic stops. It's best to be error on the side of extreme caution. (2) Don't make any sudden movement, keep your hands on the steering wheel until the Officer has approached and ask you for license and registration. (3) Be Respectful. Address the Officer as Officer or Sir (that goes a long way). (4) Be Polite. Again, related to #3 bu more specifically, no flippancy or sassing. (5) Don't lie. The Officer asked if I knew why I was being stopped and I said, " … speeding?" Don't contrive a story and insult the Officer's intelligence that will guarantee you a ticket. (6) Have a clean driving record. (7) Have a FSO booster sticker on the rear of your car. There no evidence to suggest or guarantee that will save you from a citation but it can't hurt either.
After the Officer ran my plates and registration, he told me that I was looking at a $300 fine for the following:
(1) 53/35 = $200 . Again, I didn't know the speed limit had changed but I do know.
(2) Late registration = $100. I thought I had 30-days after my registration date or at least till the end of the month - Nope! Due date is your registration date or 30-days prior.
(3) No proof of insurance = $100. Yes, I have insurance on my 07 Acura TL, are you kidding me, I just didn't have a current copy in the car.
After the Officer read me the riot act which I listened like a little boy sitting in the principals office, he said he was going to let me go with a $10 fine provided that I could prove proof of insurance.
Following Dale Carnegie's, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" paid off big time as I invoked many of his tried and true philosophies. He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offense or arousing resentment. For instance, "let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers," and "talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
If you haven't read his book I highly encourage you go out and pick up a copy and read it immediately. It's an easy read and it will improve your relationships with your friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances.
Posted via email from Benny Jones Jr. Lifestream
