| My first post mentioned talking to the police involved. I really doubt that most police in the UK are ditwads or worse as most of them are probably good family folks looking to do a good job like most of us. In my life in the US and abroad I have run into about 1 really nutso officer and I have had a number of occasions to meet officers in the US, Europe, Asia and Russia. UK police were more than friendly at times and seemed pretty professional, US cops have been generally understanding of a situation, letting me off with a warning more times than not. In this particular case a lot of people suggest all kinds of actions such as checking ambient light, looking at sites regarding estimated speeds, etc., but wouldn't it be better to ask the cops what this is all about before jumping into all that. As I said before, we are probably all teenagers at heart (red blooded ones at that) and can probably remember when our hormones got the best of us. The sone involved is probably not too genetically removed from any of us so perhaps approaching the other party may be of value.
Finally, my approach to such situations is honesty. I don't try to wiggle out of the charge, but do try to let the guy know that I was aware of and in control of the situation. Got tagged for doing 122 kmh on an expressway (patrol car reading) but when they started to write the ticket out I laughed at that figure and told them I was doing well over 122 (probably 165). They had 122 on the meter because 130 is automatic license suspension. ANyway, they laughed at my honesty and just gave me a warning. There is a human side to most cops as well. Let us know how it turns out!  |