I'm an Idiot

[Batteriesnare]

I was pulled over this morning by a CSP Trooper for allegedly speeding. I've never received a ticket for my driving or had any accidents.


To compound on this, I was driving a University vehicle (picking up someone at the airport for the University) clearly marked on the outside with name and logo with the VIP passenger in the passenger's seat.

Ticket cited me for 77 in a 65.


Here's my question.


I was driving a vehicle that I'd never driven before. It had a lot of pick up/move in it, especially compared to the old car's I've owned, and I honestly didn't realize how fast I was going.

Not using it as an excuse, but has anyone else had an experience where their perception of their speed and their actual (speedometer) speed varied? I could have sworn I wasn't exceeding the speed limit. The road I was tagged on is very very familiar to me, I've driven it at least twice a week for the last four years, and my perception by watching the road did not alarm me to my actual speed, everything seemed normal as when it is when I drive my car at the posted limit.

Bottom line is I feel like a total moron, and am completely embarrassed for being pulled over in a U car with a VIP, but I'd like to know that what I experienced isn't limited to me in this one situation. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Marlin]

Can't really say for sure, From the drivers side, personally I was somewhat aware. Not all the time though.. After I ETS'd out Ft. Campell, I was cruising across Missouri in the dead of the night, Listening to Bob Segers Holllywood Nights, which has been scientificly proven to have an effect on a young males right foot in a car. Glanced down and the little pointer was bouncing on the 140 mark.. I didn't think I was going that fast..

Another time, I was on leave between Germany and Campbell. My Mother and I went To see my Grandmother in Hays,Ks. Let us just say that it was far short of the normal time it took to get there..

A few days after we got home, She asked me why it took longer on the way home than it did going there.. I told her I was doing the speed limit on the way home. She then ask how fast we were going on the way down, I told her, She said, "Hmmm, it didn't seem that fast."

I think my gaurdian angel got drunk for a week after I sold that car. How I never got a ticket, or died in a spectacular, fiery crash in that thing is beyond me..

[Pistol Packing Preacher]

Were you packing? Did you have to disclose to the cop, in front of the VIP, that you were packing?

[TS12000]

I watch my speedometer all the time because I always catch myself passing up everyone on the road. Luckily no tickets/accidents yet. On the other note, I used to drive a Cadillac with a big ol monster engine and when I started driving a four banger Subaru I noticed I was doing under the speed limit all the time, so I do think your foot gets trained and that can make you go slower/faster if you switch cars

[ChadAmberg]

My last ticket several years ago was like 2 weeks after selling my Acura TSX (quick little car that I was used to) and bought a Honda Ridgeline. The Ridgeline felt much slower than it was going... so yeah, it happens. It's not being an attentive driver, so it is all the drivers fault, but it's easy to see how it could happen.

[GhostRider]

havent been pulled over with a VIP in the vehicle but have had the perception of different speed in the car. Have to say it was just me with my head up my #@% enjoying a nice ride and not paying attention. You probably did the same. Just thinking about getting to the Air Port and didnt pay attention like you normally would.

[Batteriesnare]

Were you packing? Did you have to disclose to the cop, in front of the VIP, that you were packing?

The VIP is from New York (guest musician- jazz festival this weekend). The vehicle belongs to the University, and as such I'm assuming that, much like your car is an extension of your home, their car is an extension of the campus and all "laws" apply.

My permit is registered in Weld, so thankfully no database when my info is run. You just never know what's going to happen.

I did have to ask the cop for his business card (I thought they had to give you one), and he didn't have one one him...he went back to his car and made one, which I thought was strange.

[Batteriesnare]

It's not being an attentive driver, so it is all the drivers fault, but it's easy to see how it could happen.

It's fine, I'm not looking for an excuse for my actions, I just felt like such a fool and had never experienced anything like it. I appreciate the stories though.

[StagLefty]

I'd look into the University policy on their vehicles-every company owned vehicle I ever drove had a no firearms policy in vehicles. Just a heads up.

[BigBear]

The VIP is from New York (guest musician- jazz festival this weekend). The vehicle belongs to the University, and as such I'm assuming that, much like your car is an extension of your home, their car is an extension of the campus and all "laws" apply.

HAHA. I ALMOST got pulled over in a U vehicle about two years ago. I was picking up John Clayton in the Clayton/Hamilton jazz orch for the Greeley Jazz fest (was that two or three years ago... don't remember). Anyways, a cop followed us (read: tailgating me up the @$$ with a wide open road) for a good 4 or 5 miles before he broke off and sped past us. I was SOOO tempted to do a brake check.... I WAS packing and John said I would fit in up in NY cause I was a bad MF'r white guy with a gun. HAHA. Then he heard me play and sad I got some great chops... but I'm still working this stupid day job... grrrrrr