Oct 13, 2011

Pulled Over

Pretty sure I’ve told you before that the Dog Walker is in the Marching Band. Yesterday they had a competition at BYU. I knew they would be getting in late, so even though he had his car parked at the high school and could drive the six blocks home, I stayed up and tried to be mostly productive. OK, I was blogging! I admit it!

Anyway, midnight rolled around and there was still no sign of him. It was a school night after all. About 12:30, he finally stumbled through the door. He was NOT happy! “What’s the matter?” I asked. “I got pulled over!” he complained. This didn’t sound good. “Did you have your license with you?” I asked. I knew his license had been sitting on my desk for most of the summer after Baby Doll dumped his wallet and I gathered up all his stuff. “Yeah, I put it in my wallet a couple of days ago,” he confessed. “Well that’s good,” I responded. He was obviously agitated.

“So tell me what happened,” I encouraged. “Well, I was taking my friend home and the police officer turned on his lights.” He squirmed a little. “I pulled over and he came to the window and I said, ‘Is something wrong?’ and he said, ‘Is there?’” This exchange seemed very confusing to my poor autistic son. He paused for a moment and then said, “I was respectful, Mom. You always have to respect a police officer.” Such a good boy!

“Then what?” I asked. “Well, he said, ‘Let’s see your license and registration.’ and I got out my license but I didn’t know what the registration was. My friend thought maybe it would be in the glovebox so he pulled out some papers until we figured out what it was.” I hope the officer was a patient man! He checked the documents and handed them back to my son. That’s when he asked my son if he had a medical problem and told him he was driving with his brights on. Then my son thanked him (no ticket!) and he said, “Drive safe!” and headed back to his patrol car.

Our city has a curfew for kids under 18 unless they are returning from work or a school activity. I’ve worried about this day ever since the Dog Walker got his license a year ago. He is a careful driver (almost too careful), but there are so many things he doesn’t understand about the world and relationships and conversations and sarcasm. One thing I’m glad he does understand is respect. I’m so proud of him for holding it together and remembering that one simple concept. Especially since neither one of us can afford a ticket.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

oh, good for him. i remember the first time i was pulled over. traumatic experience!! i guess it happens to all of us at some point.

cheers.

Tracie said...

Sounds like a wonder young man! Kudos to him for staying so calm and respectful.

mCat said...

First - kudos to the dogwalker for the respect.
Second - blessings to that officer for being kind, patient and letting him go with a warning.

Anonymous said...

I must agree the idea of curfew except for work/school is a GOOD idea, we are far too lenient with new drivers here...I think you should be driving a year before you can drive in certain situations but we are too lazy to follow up on rules in the UK. lol

Least he didn't get a ticket though! I've been driving for four years and touch wood, yet to be pulled over. Every time I see a cop it is like "Quick check that I'm doing everything right!!" lol

Anonymous said...

Sounds like he did great! But I'm sure it was a scary experience.

LeAnn said...

Wow, I am so happy he didn't get a ticket. He must be a wonderful young man and I am also glad he had his license and registration too. My son is a Sheriff Deputy in Idaho. I received a ticket recently in Washington. The tickets are so much money. Since I didn't live in the state I couldn't go to court to get the amount lowered. It was the pits.
Keep on enjoying the moments.

Sandee said...

I'm so happy he didn't get a ticket either. A nice lesson here too.

Have a terrific day. :)

Amanda said...

how scary! glad everything turned out alright for him!

Dog-Walker said...

Gosh Dang It!

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

Good job to your son for handling the situation so well. And hooray for not getting a ticket!

Karima said...

I love the photos you have with this post! I am your newest gfc follower. Gosh been reading some of your blog - I so admire you how you manage such a big family, you must have real patience! Karima
www.karimascrafts.com

Jaclyn M said...

Your son is such a bright young man. I am thankful that he is respectful.... I can only imagine how proud you must be of him....

Love the mug shots though ;)

Lourie said...

Respect is key. That is great that the cop was in a good mood too.

mommeeof10 said...

My #2 has autism. She also has a congenital eye condition, as does my #5 son. She can not see well enough to pass the vision test for her learner's permit, even with her new glasses. Ergo, she does not drive. I get to drive her to the community college 2 days a week, then go back and pick her up.