odd ticket... ohio.

[krzperfo]

juvenile driver, 17 y/o, pulled over in resident city

eastlake, ohio

scenario:

4 lane highway with center divide

left lane is where i am. i am proceeding down road @ 40 mph (50 mph speed limit). i am slowwing down for red light w/ a truck behind me. as i reach 30 mph, the light turns green so i proceed to let off brakes and coast through light. this is where an officer with a van is in front of him (both right lane). they are still sitting at green light as i go through. and as i pass them there is an ambulance on OTHER SIDE of median. so i proceed to switch lanes with blinker and the van proceeds to beep. (or so says the officer). anyways the cop pulls me over for "signaling before changing lanes" and it has "almost caushed crash" checked. which doesnt make sense because if a car is sitting at a green light stopped and i go by it at 30 mph i am well ahead of it by the time i blinker and switch lanes. any ideas on what i should do?

[poppakeith]

Originally Posted by krzperfo

4 lane highway with center divide

left lane is where i am. i am proceeding down road @ 40 mph (50 mph speed limit). i am slowwing down for red light w/ a truck behind me. as i reach 30 mph, the light turns green so i proceed to let off brakes and coast through light. this is where an officer with a van is in front of him (both right lane). they are still sitting at green light as i go through. and as i pass them there is an ambulance on OTHER SIDE of median. so i proceed to switch lanes with blinker and the van proceeds to beep. (or so says the officer). anyways the cop pulls me over for "signaling before changing lanes" and it has "almost caushed crash" checked. which doesnt make sense because if a car is sitting at a green light stopped and i go by it at 30 mph i am well ahead of it by the time i blinker and switch lanes. any ideas on what i should do?

The "signaling <I>before</I> changing lanes" does sound odd, but the rest of it sounds like a judgement call on the part of the officer (about "almost" caused crash). In words, the picture is never so clear as a graphic or an annimation of events. You might need to consult with a lawyer on this one, and depending on your record, thusfar, and a clear representation of events, the judge might be convinced in your direction. It's always trickey if you change lanes in conjunction with passing through an intersection, and other cars, even with a signal. Apparently you scared the cop.