Failure to make way for red/blue flashing lights

[SpankMe]

Got a letter from the NZ Police today saying that I "Failed to Make Way for Red/Blue Flashing Lights." and asking for a explanation.

I remember the day. Was blatting along the North Western on my Honda GB, when I looked down in my mirrors and saw two cop cars, lights flashing, behind me. I promptly pulled over but I guess they were behind me for awhile judging by the letter. I always make sure I'm out of the way of emergency vehicles and get pissed when I see others that don't.

With the wind noise in my helmet, I couldn't hear them at all. Also the mirrors on the GB are bar-ends on low slung handle bars, so I have to look down to see them. So what's the chance they'll accept that I just didn't hear them behind me?

[MSTRS]

Lights only, no sirens? And if no-one else was ducking out of the way (normal, right?) how were you to know? Or...MW has 2+ lanes, right? Were they all full?
Sounds like attempted revenue gathering to me.

[Maha]

Just write in Spank and say that you thought they were giving you a rear escort.

[Duke girl]

They may say something about having bar end mirrors which obviously aren't that good if you have to look down into them before seeing if there is anything behind you. Even thou you are going to send them your reason why you didnt pull over for them while they had their lights flashing, just wondering if they are still going to book you regardless of what you put in your letter to them explaining your reason for not doing so?.

[Lonebull]

Got a letter from the NZ Police today saying that I "Failed to Make Way for Red/Blue Flashing Lights." and asking for a explanation.

I remember the day. Was blatting along the North Western on my Honda GB, when I looked down in my mirrors and saw two cop cars, lights flashing, behind me. I promptly pulled over but I guess they were behind me for awhile judging by the letter. I always make sure I'm out of the way of emergency vehicles and get pissed when I see others that don't.

With the wind noise in my helmet, I couldn't hear them at all. Also the mirrors on the GB are bar-ends on low slung handle bars, so I have to look down to see them. So what's the chance they'll accept that I just didn't hear them behind me?



If they didn't have sirens on then just tell the truth, apologise and say it won't happen again. If they had sirens on then you want to consider a hearing aid.

Maybe you could say that you had been meaning to write and thank them for the escort but next time please don't bother because your incognito at the moment and that if your fans knew where you were they may cause traffic congestion rivalling a rush hour snarl-up...


Or how about telling them that the new stealth patrol cars are working fine...


Just a thought

Good Luck Dude:apint:

[nodrog]

just tell them you thought they were after you, and you were doing a runner.

[AllanB]

Write in and you'll be fine. Just tell them you were concentrating on the traffic in front of you, could not hear any siren (if they were on) due to wind buffeting etc and obviously had not checked your mirrors for a short period.
Point out to them that as soon as you checked your mirrors and saw the lights you pulled over.

If you have a clean record also write that "you'll note that I have a fine/ticket free record and pride myself on being a courteous and responsible rider/driver...bla bla" Obviously if you have 98 demerit points you should not use this line.<_<


Now if had been Carver, chances are he would have been on his rear wheel and flipping the cops the bird............:Police:

[R6_kid]

I had a cop follow me for 2km before I knew he was there, and he was pulling me over too. I was listening to music on the way home from work, this with the wind noise, and the sun in my eyes, meant that i could not see, nor hear the car behind me.

[MIXONE]

Tell them you couldn't hear them over the sound of your straight through pipe and what's behind you is notta important.

[Scouse]

Say Nothing Don't incriminate your self

[NighthawkNZ]

You were you wearing ear plugs? that is why you didn't here the siren (if it was going). The irony is with out them you would go deaf with the wind noise and buffering... but are pretty much deaf with them.

You only check what is behind you every so often as you are more concerned what is ahead of you, with cops doing u-turns on blind corners, cars going the wrong way on motorway... hello have you seen the news...

is the NW a motorway or just another road...??? If a road add in all the other dangers of biking; boy racers, other bikers crossing the center line, sheep, camper vans on the wrong side, seagulls and magpies shitting on and drive bombing, or birds in general with a helmet strike you had one two days a go and are still a little nervous about it...

more importantly you were looking for a place you considered safe to pull/move over not what the cop thought may have been safe (its your life not theirs)... what couldn't they pass you???

You did move over when you saw them in the reflective compound device.

[puddytat]

Fuck , this country is gettin' real anal....

[MsKABC]

you are more concerned what is ahead of you, with cops doing u-turns on blind corners, cars going the wrong way on motorway... hello have you seen the news...


Not to mention the AOS.... sorry, that was in bad taste :o

Well if they're ticketing you, I hope they also ticket the numerous bozos I've seen doing it over the years. I was on the motorway once with colleagues and we could see an ambulance coming up behind us quite a way back so we pulled right over. The car following us tried to pass us! And didn't see the ambo coming until it was right on top of him, despite us turning on our orange flashing light and pointing behind him. Moron.

Good luck getting out of your ticket though :)

[Patrick]

Say Nothing Don't incriminate your self

The rest were fairly good posts... then this one...:no:

There are good reasons for not hearing them... especially since the sirens might not have been on.... and when spotted, got out of the way immediately. A reasonable excuse. NO further action.

No response = ticket.

[Swoop]

Tell 'em that it is a motorway and there are two other lanes they could have used...:wacko:

[scracha]

Got a letter from the NZ Police today saying that I "Failed to Make Way for Red/Blue Flashing Lights." and asking for a explanation.


Say fuck all. If you get a letter saying they're pressing charges then respond by telling them it took 4 days to respond the last time you phoned them to say your motorcycle got nicked. They're just fishing.

It's a shame so many of today's coppers are fuckin idiots.

[scumdog]

It's a shame so many of today's coppers are fuckin idiots.

Selected and paid for by members of the public.......

[pete376403]

Paid for by the public maybe but selected by other cops, who may or may not also be idiots.

[98tls]

Selected and paid for by members of the public....... To make things worse said public gather at polling booths every 3 years to it seems select the biggest collective bunch of fuck-ups and put them in a position to do there utmost to put coppers in a no win situation with the namby pamby bullshit laws they have to abide to.

[sinfull]

Think you best own up and explain that the wind noise hampered you hearing any sirens (if there were any) and that you were trying out some new mirrors on your bike, which weren't really up to scratch as you couldn't see speeding vehicals coming up behind you, so have now replaced them ! With eyes in the back of yr head !

[Blossom]

Not to go too far off topic..but this is strangely one of my biggest fears.
I have a 50% hearing impairment and cant hear stereo.. My point? I cant tell what direction sound is coming from. In town if I hear a siren I literally have to scan a full 360 to find the emergency vehicle. maybe you have a hearing impairment spank?
I often wonder what would happen if they were behind me cause I can guarantee I would not hear them at all.
I check my mirrors lots etc but it is a worry when you cant tell which car tooted the horn you just heard. Hence I am a real Nana to ride with.

[McJim]

To make things worse said public gather at polling booths every 3 years to it seems select the biggest collective bunch of fuck-ups and put them in a position to do there utmost to put coppers in a no win situation with the namby pamby bullshit laws they have to abide to.

It's not like we are given the choice of:

A/ Competent country/economy managers
B/ Biggest collective bunch of fuck-ups

Is it? The reality is as follows:

A/ Biggest collective bunch of centre-left wing fuck-ups
B/ Biggest collective bunch of centre-right wing fuck-ups
C/ Some old dude from toe-wronga more interested in politics for politics sake rather than for the benefit of the public.

What choice do we have really?

spankme - listen to the website coppers - write back and tell 'em Wind noise, ear plugs, classic bike noise and old fashioned rear view mirrors. Sorry - Will try harder to notice in future.

[Hoon]

All depends on how long they were following you. Being unable to hear them is a valid excuse but not regularly checking your rear view mirrors isn't.

Best just explain the situation, how regretfully sorry you are and what measures you are taking to ensure it won't happen again....then hope for the best!

[quack]

Sounds like they'll do anything for a bit of extra money eh... nothing's ever good enough for them nd if the sirens actually werent on then its their own stupid fault

[Lonebull]

spankme - listen to the website coppers - write back and tell 'em Wind noise, ear plugs, classic bike noise and old fashioned rear view mirrors. Sorry - Will try harder to notice in future.

Tell them ear plugs, wind noise, concentrating on traffic or bettter still a combination of all three but don't tell them it was bike noise. The last thing we need is some bunch of blue suits deciding to review muffler laws. I like my aftermarkets to much

stay upright

[Max Preload]

Sounds like they'll do anything for a bit of extra money eh... nothing's ever good enough for them nd if the sirens actually werent on then its their own stupid fault

Since you clearly don't actually have any idea whatsoever about what you're talking about, why don't you just STFU?

[Finn]

My advice is this. Do nothing Spank. They currently don't have the resources to follow shit like this up. I've had 2 complaints about my driving asking for a response and I chucked them both in the bin. One was over 2 years ago and haven't heard a thing. If you respond, they will have to do the same.

[FROSTY]

Best bet-be honest. You diddn't see em .You were in traffic that had you focussed forwards. You moved over as soon as you realised.

[firefighter]

Lights only, no sirens? ...MW has 2+ lanes, right? Were they all full?

Think about why they would'nt have just checkered their way through the traffic......you think it's safe to do that? I like the stay in one lane method and hope the idiots check their mirrors and get out of the way....otherwise you'll have people all over the road not knowing where you're going......


just tell them you thought they were after you, and you were doing a runner.

lol


Tell 'em that it is a motorway and there are two other lanes they could have used...:wacko:

ok sure, sorry, I will remember that next time........:eek5:


Best bet-be honest. You diddn't see em .You were in traffic that had you focussed forwards. You moved over as soon as you realised.

First real useable advice here!

[scracha]

Selected and paid for by members of the public.......

Paid for by the public. Selected by the freemasons.

[Swoop]

ok sure, sorry, I will remember that next time.......
It is a kiwi driver's right to drive in the right hand lane...:shifty:
:lol:

[The Pastor]

Fuck the police. Do nothing.

[mikeey01]

Got a letter from the NZ Police today saying that I "Failed to Make Way for Red/Blue Flashing Lights." and asking for a explanation.
I remember the day. Was blatting along the North Western on my Honda GB, when I looked down in my mirrors and saw two cop cars, lights flashing, behind me. I promptly pulled over but I guess they were behind me for awhile judging by the letter. I always make sure I'm out of the way of emergency vehicles and get pissed when I see others that don't.
With the wind noise in my helmet, I couldn't hear them at all. Also the mirrors on the GB are bar-ends on low slung handle bars, so I have to look down to see them. So what's the chance they'll accept that I just didn't hear them behind me?

Your written reply back to them is this simple.

When you did hear / see them you promptly pulled over so they could pass!

Be carefull how you reply, they may charge you under the act.
Up to this point in time you hadn't seen them nor heard them, right?
Does the road code say you have to regularly check your mirrors when driving along a motor way? (common sense tells you too) although it does tell you to keep left unless passing when driving on motorways.

I'd say your bike has a current warrant (they'd have ticketed you if it wasn't by now) and has a within spec exhaust then you are fine.

You did not see them approaching, you did not hear any sirens / horn, you did not see them pull up behind you and when you did see them you pulled promptly aside and allowed them to pass.

I'll bet they were gunning it along the NW'ern and were pissed they had to slow down.

Under what section of the land transport act are they trying to screw around on you? (should be listed if not yep they are fishing!)
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ (Land Transport Road User Rule 2004)

Out of interest was it an old style fleese car or a new one with low profile lights?
reason I ask is old sirens = loud, old lights = easy to see (bright) The new ones = crap.

[Marmoot]

Fuck ... this ... anal....

Aren't you so happy right now....I can almost hear you giggling!

[Max Preload]

It is a kiwi driver's right to drive in the right hand lane...:shifty:
:lol:

We were just discussing this annoyance at work this morning. Oh, and passing lane drag racers. :mad:


Under what section of the land transport act are they trying to screw around on you? (should be listed if not yep they are fishing!)

It'll be under this (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303072.html) regulation.

[NighthawkNZ]

A driver must make way, by stopping if necessary, as soon as practicable with safety

So if Spankme didn't feel it was safe to do so at the time... but pulled or moved over when it was safe to do so

[vifferman]

You did not see them approaching, you did not hear any sirens / horn, you did not see them pull up behind you and when you did see them you pulled promptly aside and allowed them to pass.
:niceone:
That's your response boiled down to the basics.
All you really need to add to that is an apology for any potential inconvenience caused.

[skidMark]

Just write in Spank and say that you thought they were giving you a rear escort.


Musta been ginga copper in the mufti HONDA then

[FROSTY]

It is a kiwi driver's right to drive in the right hand lane...:shifty:
:lol:
actually no it isn't --its just the cops dont have the manpower to enforce the keep left rule

[Racey Rider]

I mention of their new low profile flashing lights that may have been harder for you to see than the old easy to see ones might be worth a stir too.

[Swoop]

actually no it isn't --its just the cops dont have the manpower to enforce the keep left rule
The irony has, possibly, been missed.

[peasea]

Lights only, no sirens? And if no-one else was ducking out of the way (normal, right?) how were you to know? Or...MW has 2+ lanes, right? Were they all full?
Sounds like attempted revenue gathering to me.

Nah, never!
roflmfao

[P38]

Do nothing, Say Nothing, Admit Nothing.

Dont engauge them in a letter writing duel, you may loose.

If they were gonna charge you with something they already would have.

[Patrick]

I mention of their new low profile flashing lights that may have been harder for you to see than the old easy to see ones might be worth a stir too.

You can't see strobes???? Hand your licence in now, ya blind git.

[Racey Rider]

strobes you say...
That also could have been the problem.

could have thought they were just a reoccurring side affect of the LSD he had taken the night before.

[Robbo]

The rest were fairly good posts... then this one...:no:

There are good reasons for not hearing them... especially since the sirens might not have been on.... and when spotted, got out of the way immediately. A reasonable excuse. NO further action.

No response = ticket.

Take Patricks advise Spank and that should be the end of the matter.
Cheers

[Renegade]

if they were going to ticket you they would have tried by now, the reason they cant is they cant prove who was riding they bike (helmet on etc) so they are asking for a nice letter to incriminate yourself or pass blame to another rider in which case opening up avenues to issue tickets.

id say write the letter with your explanation for not seeing them as it sounds like you are genuine, if they send you a ticket defend it on the grounds they havnt proven you were the rider.

[Patrick]

strobes you say...
That also could have been the problem.

could have thought they were just a reoccurring side affect of the LSD he had taken the night before.

Unsure about them actually... might just be LED's ... I don't look at them, or else I might break out into dance... Now that would be scary.....

[Patrick]

if they were going to ticket you they would have tried by now, the reason they cant is they cant prove who was riding they bike (helmet on etc) so they are asking for a nice letter to incriminate yourself or pass blame to another rider in which case opening up avenues to issue tickets.

id say write the letter with your explanation for not seeing them as it sounds like you are genuine, if they send you a ticket defend it on the grounds they havnt proven you were the rider.

Ummm... If you write the letter, you are identifying yourself as the rider. If they demand the driver detail, then you have to anyway. Just explain as it actually happened, (wind noise, unsighted, etc... but once seen, moved out of the way immediately). A reasonable excuse would have an equally reasonable outcome.

[peasea]

A reasonable excuse would have an equally reasonable outcome.

Ya reckon?

[pritch]

I saw one tonight on my way home from work, a mufti Holden with sirens blaring and nobody getting out of his way. The muppets were all looking around for an emergency vehicle - but couldn't see one.

[ManDownUnder]

Cut and paste the opening post to this thread. It's explanation enough!

[Patrick]

Ya reckon?

Hell yeah. You know its true.... don't deny....

[peasea]

Hell yeah. You know its true.... don't deny....

Well in my (fairly extensive) experience wiv da fun po-lees, the decision to ticket has been made well before the wheels have stopped turning. Polite/rude, it makes no odds. I got stopped the other morning, minor transgression, I was polite-as, ticket anyway. I might as well start with a tirade coz at least I'm going to get some pleasure in abusing the fuck outta the fuck for my hard-earned cash.

Being polite doesn't fucking work.

So yes, I deny.:argue:

[scumdog]

Well in my (fairly extensive) experience wiv da fun po-lees, the decision to ticket has been made well before the wheels have stopped turning. Polite/rude, it makes no odds. I got stopped the other morning, minor transgression, I was polite-as, ticket anyway. I might as well start with a tirade coz at least I'm going to get some pleasure in abusing the fuck outta the fuck for my hard-earned cash.

Being polite doesn't fucking work.

So yes, I deny.:argue:

Many of my 'clients' would beg to differ.

Of course they WON'T be the gobby ones.

Takes all sorts - on both sides.

[peasea]

Many of my 'clients' would beg to differ.

Of course they WON'T be the gobby ones.

Takes all sorts - on both sides.

But you're thpeshul

[Patrick]

Many of my 'clients' would beg to differ.

Of course they WON'T be the gobby ones.

Takes all sorts - on both sides.

Mine too...

Peasea must be the "thpeshal" one who attracts attention to oneself...

[peasea]

Mine too...

Peasea must be the "thpeshal" one who attracts attention to oneself...

I used to, am a bit older now, over it etc. I get the distinct impression that you're an overbearing cunt at times, taking advantage of your size, weight and uniform. But not always. There does seem to be some sensibility and fairness in your posts.

I was taking the piss, as I do, and if Scummy writes less tax forms than most would perfer to imgaine (myself included) in favour of a good 'ticking off' then I applaude him. It's just that positive policing is very hard to find these days.

[davebullet]

Does the road code stipulate how often you must do a rear vision check? (can't remember). Does their letter indicate how long they were following you before you moved over? If the former is greater than the latter - then say you were inbetween your regular checks. Also state as soon as you noticed, "you would have observed me make a quick but safe lane change to allow you to pass". This forces them to recollect events and acknowledge you did do something to make way.

I agree about writing back. Not writing back means you can't remember anything = not observant which would support their point.

It's odd they just didn't slap you with a ticket.... so if they didn't (it's very rare our road legal system gives you the chance to explain...) maybe they cannot fine you or know they are on shaky ground?

[Patrick]

I get the distinct impression that you're an overbearing cunt at times, taking advantage of your size, weight and uniform. But not always. There does seem to be some sensibility and fairness in your posts....

Only when they don't listen to good advice and reason... and if they then are wanting to take me on, spitting in my face, having a go, threatening me and my family, then yeah, I am an overbearing cunt at times taking full advantage of my size and weight. Never the uniform tho. Its ugly.....

I get the distinct impression that you are a shit stirrer.:whistle:

[MSTRS]

I get the distinct impression that you are a shit stirrer.:whistle:

Harsh words from one of our most impartial 'finest'....you're not becoming disillusioned by it all? :Pokey:

[Patrick]

Harsh words from one of our most impartial 'finest'....you're not becoming disillusioned by it all? :Pokey:

Almost... :whocares:

They weren't harsh words.... that was friendly banter....

[peasea]

Almost... :whocares:

They weren't harsh words.... that was friendly banter....

Well, in true Oliver Twist form "could I have some more?"

I like nothing more than being bantered by men in uniform.:girlfight:

[3umph]

Is it not funny how a lot of people like to bag the people that are here to try to keep our laws enforced and keep us safe....

no I'm not a cop but get sick of the bagging they get... think about it... who do you call if your bike gets nicked??? or house get robbed??? or some drunk bastard driving on the road all over the place???

yes there are some good and not so good one within the force but if you had to put up with a lot of what they have to day in and day out I'm sure you would harden up quite a bit as well...

Best you write back with you explanation... honest, truthful and to the point and not your intention to be holding them up etc...

[Jizah]

... think about it... who do you call if your bike gets nicked??? or house get robbed???

Not taking either side here, but I have been in both these situations, and both times nothing was done. Nobody came out to my house, nothing.

Sure they may have been busy, or sure, they may have been lazy. Like I said though, I'm not on a side, just stating my experience.

[3umph]

I'm not taking sides either but it can be a prick of a job that I would not want to do... and to easy for people to see the bad or slack side of them rather the good that they do

[3umph]

Sure they may have been busy, or sure, they may have been lazy. Like I said though, I'm not on a side, just stating my experience.

proberley a priority job thing there.... squeaky wheel gets the oil most of the time

[Patrick]

I like nothing more than being "batoned" by men in uniform.:girlfight:

:gob::shit::puke: Sick bastard....


Not taking either side here, but I have been in both these situations, and both times nothing was done. Nobody came out to my house, nothing.

Sure they may have been busy, or sure, they may have been lazy. Like I said though, I'm not on a side, just stating my experience.

Did ya ring back???? Did ya pop down to the station???? "Nothing" was done? That would mean no insurance for you then....

[peasea]

:gob::shit::puke: Sick bastard....



Did ya ring back???? Did ya pop down to the station???? "Nothing" was done? That would mean no insurance for you then....

Ya mis-quoted me, jeez you coppers do that all the freakin' time.

Now, repeat after me; "The evidence I shall give....."

[Jizah]

Did ya ring back???? Did ya pop down to the station???? "Nothing" was done? That would mean no insurance for you then....

Insurance on the bike had lapsed, I was too lazy to sort out access to a credit card or cheque book. And no contents insurance on my flat.

Wasn't aware that I needed to ring back or anything, I mean they took all my details over the phone. Not sure how the process works tbh.

I did ring back about two weeks after reporting the bike though, as I had managed to obtain it back through methods of my own.

[Patrick]

Ya mis-quoted me, jeez you coppers do that all the freakin' time.

Now, repeat after me; "The evidence I shall give....."

"is written in my "second" note book..." ????

[peasea]

"is written in my "second" note book..." ????

As I suspected: It is written in the 'Book of Patrick'.
(Possibly/probably subversive material.)

[Patrick]

As I suspected: It is written in the 'Book of Patrick'.
(Possibly/probably subversive material.)

Is that somewhere in the bible??????

[peasea]

Is that somewhere in the bible??????

For sure, probably the 'knocks' (Knox) version. Get it?

Oh gawd, I've fallen off my chair again.

[Patrick]

For sure, probably the 'knocks' (Knox) version. Get it?

Nah... She retired. New boss now.

[peasea]

Nah... She retired. New boss now.

No, that was the 'knockers' version, again a double meaning. Oh I'm on fire tonight.

[Patrick]

No, that was the 'knockers' version, again a double meaning. Oh I'm on fire tonight.

She had knockers... am I missing summit?