Why do police insist on parking in the roadway when giving speeding tickets?

Question

I saw it again yesterday. During high traffic on a 4 lane road (2 lanes each direction) with a 55 MPH speed limit, a stupid cop parks his vehicle 5 feet into a driving lane. This causes everyone to have to quickly merge into one driving lane, and creates a hazard. It is NOT a safety increaser for cops to stop in actual traffic lanes! In this situation, there was a breakdown lane as wide as the travel lanes, but the cop just had to put his vehicle in a travel lane, creating a dangerous situation. Every cop I see in this state does this: no matter how wide the roads and breakdown lanes, not matter how much traffic, no matter the weather or lighting conditions, these idiots park in the lane of travel. That being said, I love when their cars get slammed into from behind, and it's even better if the cop gets smashed up too. They are creating a deadly situation by using stupid policies that put innocent people at risk.

I knew it. Not one answer from a cop or cop supporter that can really justify physically parking on a busy highway in a traffic lane. FACT: A COP CAR IN A TRAFFIC LANE IS MORE LIKELY TO BE STRUCK THAN IS ONE PARKED OFF THE ROAD!

Also, yes, if I need police assistance, I will call a cop. But just because I expect the police to do their job when I need them does not mean I should expect their stupidity and violations of the laws the rest of the time.

Also, Copgirl, no, I did not get a ticket. I haven't had a ticket in 17 years or so, back when I was a wee lad just beginning to drive. So that is not my motivation for disliking that cops park in the road. The danger it causes is my motivation.

I meant to say I should not ACCEPT the police stupidity and their breaking of laws, not "expect".

Answer 1

Got another ticket, huh?


Quit telling us how to do our jobs, please. I don't come in the fast food forum and tell you how to flip burgers properly, now do I?

Answer 2

Glad to hear you think so highly of the people who protect you. Not that you deserve an answer but here it goes.

The cop parks his car further to the left so that a zone is created to protect himself and the stopped vehicle from getting hit.

Also, most states require that when a car in general, or a cop specifically is parked to the right, all traffic must merge to the left and leave the right lane clear. So whether or not he parks completely on the shoulder or takes up all 12 feet of the right lane it is your responsibility under the law to merge left.

Answer 3

you won't be in a position to team rushing and all different site visitors offences together as there's a various evidential requirement. rushing demands a approved measuring device - a calibrated speedometer, radar gun or Vascar. those are many times merely suited for street policing autos because of the rate and maintenance standards. The offence of employing on an analogous time as impaired by ability of drugs will additionally want a particularly knowledgeable officer to manage the attempt. Technical offences which includes vehicle prohibitions for risky subject, tinted homestead windows and tachograph offences are additionally many times limited to street policing officers. different "site visitors" offences which includes employing without due care, risky employing, drink employing, cellular telephone or seatbelt offences are properly in the scope of beat officers.

Answer 4

Some cops don't like to take any chances. By parking at that angle, if the motorist pulls out a gun and shoots at him the engine block of his cruiser will help block the bullets.

Answer 5

try reading your drivers hand book, when approaching a police vehicle, you must merge into the left lane before reaching the location of the police vehicle. His actions were correct, anyone not merging left was wrong.
good luck

Answer 6

Most states are now requiring motorists to move well over when they see a stopped police vehicle with emergency lights on.

Why did you have to go from reasonable question to hate rant?

Answer 7

It forces people to slow down and move around. It is also safer for the officer because of the gap it creates around the vehicle being stopped.

Answer 8

They park their cars in the lane of travel to shield them from the idiots that run in to the back of well lit police cars. These crashes you cherish would otherwise hit the officer.

It is a sad state of affairs when someone would celebrate the injury to anyone. I can only hope that you reap what you sew. Karma can be tough...

Answer 9

It does not put anyone that is paying attention like they are supposed to at risk. Officers are supposed to park the cruiser like that, it offers them a shield from people who are not paying attention. What if the driver of the vehicle gets out and starts a struggle? Then the officer has about 1 foot to try to subdue the suspect without getting killed by traffic.

PS. please refrain from telling us how to do our jobs, we know how to do them.

Answer 10

You answered your own question about why they park that way, the rest is just hate speach.

Wont be long until you actually need a cop and you will be kissing his boot thanking him for the help.

OR

If you need help and won't call a cop, who are you gonna call? A crackhead?

Answer 11

Probably to slow down the rest of the traffic, though it's incredibly irresponsible to do so by creating an unsafe condition in the name of....safety. You need to call and complain to the police department and give them the number on the vehicle.