5 things to do when being pulled over

From time to time there happens to be a Police car following us as we go about our day to day activities. Panic starts to set in, and we all begin going through a mental checklist: Was I speeding? Did I stop for the red light? Am I tailgating? Did I use my blinker?

Sometimes we're lucky enough to have the Officer stop "following" us because he turns in to where dispatch had sent him. And other times our stress level goes through the roof when those red and blue lights come on. If you're more so this unlucky type here are 5 things you can do...

1. This first step is taken before your nerve wracking contact with Law Enforcement: Make sure you have up-to-date paperwork in your vehicle (insurance and registration). And throw away all your old cards. There is no point in keeping insurance cards from 2005 A.D.; Antiques Roadshow won't be coming to your house to buy them.
2. Pull to the RIGHT! Not the left, and definitely don't stop right in the middle of the road or an intersection... To the right! After all that is what we learned in Drivers ED. 
3. After pulling over to the right, stop quickly. The Officer has numerous "traffic contacts" under his belt, and has selected that location and feels safe stopping you there. Don't continue on to where you want to go or think that you're making it safer for the Officer. Continuing to drive after the Officer turns on his emergency lights causes the Officer to think you have ulterior motives, and makes him wonder if you're going to stop at all. In Texas they're bound to run you off the road if you don't stop right away.
4. Wait until the Officer is at your door to start reaching for your paperwork, and until then keep your hands clearly visible, on the steering wheel is a great place. If you've completed step 1, then finding your paperwork shouldn't be a glovebox scavenger hunt. If you're being contacted at night: turn on your cabin lights and keep your hands on your wheel until contacted. Aside from Domestic Violence calls, traffic stops are the most dangerous thing that Officers do daily. Make them feel comfortable contacting you.
5. Don't "cop" an attitude, or come up with some harebrained excuse. While being polite might not always get you out of a ticket, it definitely can sway that in your favor. Plus being polite is something we should be anytime. If you do get a ticket, and you disagree with it; that's why there is a court date. Getting in a roadside argument isn't going to change anything, except maybe the Officer will circle "POOR" for your attitude on the back of the ticket. 

These 5 things should help you get through a traffic stop with your sanity, and in a timely manner.