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[Lothar]

Some people here are acting like he was going 100. I go 70 in a 45 some time just to get to work on time. He had a real valid reason to be going fast.

 

[Petrie]

Even if the mother was in the car doesn't excuse you for speeding in the eyes of the law. They'll say to call 911.

I agree, but I also think he'd be more likely to get it dismissed.

 

[Dominator]

that was the 1950's things were different then.

1993 actually.

 

[entremet]

I don't understand why you need to speed to see someone in the hospital before he or she dies. If that person was truly on life's edge without any advance warning, you're not going to be seeing that person for quite some time even after you arrive to the hospital.

I don't think many people who haven't dealt with that situation are aware of that.

I've had many deaths in my family, so its common knowledge for me. It also sucks big time. Time goes so slow and your anxiety levels are through the roof.

 

[PseudoKirby]

You got caught, shit sucks. Show up for court and explain the circumstances and they will probably give you a reduced fine and/or a probationary period without a suspension.

but do not go up to the judge and basically argue or plea this. state your case and leave it be.

 

[EloquentM]

I got off with driving 110 in a 65 but the person was in the car with me literally suffocating next to me and coughing up blood. I understand what you're saying OP but honestly the cop had to do his job at that point since there was really no proof to speak of.

 

[Ray Wonder]

Except I didn't say that.

When I replied to you, I had the comment you were agreeing with in mind too. The one that said people's parents die everyday, it doesn't give you the right to speed.

 

[Alcoholikaust]

that was the 1950's things were different then.

untrue- see my earlier post- the police are more than happy to send a car to escort you-at no charge-

they helped me and my wife out at 530pm on a friday night getting through New Jersey Locked up traffic

 

[Two Words]

It's easy to say this until you're in the situation. Last week I probably would've said the same thing.

Okay, so you were wrong and your irrational state from the situation influenced you to do the wrong thing. It doesn't matter if it felt right at that moment. It was wrong.

 

[Jarmel]

Tire blow =/= flipping car.

better example, you are driving that fast and come around a turn, a child is starting to cross the street, can you stop?

you then cause someone else lost their mom

I don't even know of any turns where you can go 75 on without going straight through a rail or the corner itself, it would have to be a curve.

 

[riotous]

I don't understand. Someone said that it doesn't matter if my mother was dying, I responded with a bit of spite.

Im not referring to that whatsoever. I'm referring to your constant justifications of speeding and arguing that you weren't being unsafe.

You could have been more reckless than you were; that doesn't mean you were justified.

 

[SteveWinwood]

I don't think many people who haven't dealt with that situation are aware of that.

I've had many deaths in my family, so its common knowledge for me. It also sucks big time. Time goes so slow and your anxiety levels are through the roof.

It took me fucking half an hour to see my Mom once and she was like 30 feet away in the next room.

Speeding wouldn't have saved me any time at all lol.

 

[Dr.Guru of Peru]

Concern for family trumps a lot common sense issues.
I'd probably do the same or worse if it meant ensuring the safety and health of a family member.

How was the OP ensuring the health and safety of his family members? Thats the job of the medical professionals. He was speeding out of sentimental reasons, and in the process putting the actual lives of others in danger.

 

[Dunlop]

So what do you do if your trying to get to see a dying relative before it's too late

Drive fast and be prepared to accept any consequences

In the OP's case get better relatives to give an update as they are at the hospital with proper information that could have avoided this

 

[ReturnOfTheRAT]

LMAO @ the "OMG you endangered us all".

Yes, the speeding was justified. It's your mother. I'd do the exact same. Fuck the ticket. I'd go to court and fight it and explain the situation to a judge.

Moral absolutism goes out the window when it comes to your mother. Ideally wait for an ambulance but if there's not time you do what you have to for your family.

Read the op.

 

[Amentallica]

While I sympathize with you, I don't believe the law favors such a situation as it may not constitute an "emergency" to get someone medical help. If say your mother was in the car or your wife was giving birth, then that would be different because they would need to be in the care of a doctor as soon as possible, therefore speeding would be acceptable. However, since your mother was already at the hospital, there are fewer exceptions to driving that fast. But as I said, I completely agree, as I would want to see a person alive for the last time rather than miss it because I need to adhere to a speed limit, but within the context of the law, I do not believe you have a case.

 

[Ray Wonder]

Okay, so you were wrong and your irrational state from the situation influenced you to do the wrong thing. It doesn't matter if it felt right at that moment. It was wrong.

Agreed.

 

[teiresias]

So what do you do if your trying to get to see a dying relative before it's too late

Anyone that's going to die suddenly at the hospital after being admitted via the ER is likely going to die while they're being worked on and a doctor will have to come inform you of the death, you won't be seeing them for some "final goodbye" with a conscious family member. In that situation you might have to decide on removing life support, but that's not going to be a sudden thing that requires you to risk other's lives speeding recklessly.

 

[SummitAve]

Some people here are acting like he was going 100. I go 70 in a 45 some time just to get to work on time. He had a real valid reason to be going fast.

And some people are also acting like having to pay $250 is equivalent to their mother dying.

Get your proof, and go meet with a hearing officer to see what your options are and to work out a deal. If you have a good record you'll be able to knock the fine down and keep it off your record. Or just eat the charge, ultimately it's not that big of deal since your mother's life was at stake.

 

[Mupod]

I had a severe asthma attack at a very young age, and my dad got pulled over for speeding when rushing me to the hospital. Not only did he not get a ticket the cop gave him an escort there. Good thing because I almost died.

I read the thread title as 'trying to get my mother to the hospital' which immediately made me think of my own experience - but if she wasn't in the vehicle I don't see how it's justified. Still, I'm a super careful driver yet I have no idea how I'd react in that kind of situation.

I mean, the cop even said if you can prove it he'll give you a break. I wouldn't be surprised if he had to hear 'my mom is in the hospital' as an excuse all the time.

 

[hockeypuck]

It's easy to say this until you're in the situation. Last week I probably would've said the same thing.

I see this situation almost daily and experienced it from the family side as well. It DOESN'T matter because the hospital wasn't going to wait for you to arrive before taking your mother into emergency treatment if her life was TRULY at risk.

Some people here are acting like he was going 100. I go 70 in a 45 some time just to get to work on time. He had a real valid reason to be going fast.

He did not have a valid reason. His mother was either stable and he was going to see her no matter what speed he was going or she was unstable and he wasn't going to see her no matter what speed he was going.

 

[Zee-Row]

I would of done the same thing speeding. You never know if its the last time you'll see your mom.

 

[outunderthestars]

I don't understand. Someone said that it doesn't matter if my mother was dying, I responded with a bit of spite.

You've had a bit of spite throughout the thread, starting with the OP. You were speeding. You got a ticket. Speed limits aren't an arbitrary thing that suddenly vanish when anyone says they need to go faster.

The officer has no way of knowing why you are speeding, and gave you a method with which you could possibly reduce the fine at court.

You are a lucky person in multiple ways. Pay the fine, move on with your life, and go spend more time with your mom. Also, please don't say "________ like a bitch" anymore.

 

[PseudoKirby]

I don't even know of any turns where you can go 75 on without going straight through a rail or the corner itself, it would have to be a curve.

Curve or turn, same thing, reduced viability for such things

I have done those speeds plus on such roads, but this was in the middle of nowhere..


Deer would be my only hazard... still kinda stupid.

 

[EloquentM]

You've had a bit of spite throughout the thread, starting with the OP. You were speeding. You got a ticket. Speed limits aren't an arbitrary thing that suddenly vanish when anyone says they need to go faster.

The officer has no way of knowing why you are speeding, and gave you a method with which you could possibly reduce the fine at court.

You are a lucky person in multiple ways. Pay the fine, move on with your life, and go spend more time with your mom. Also, please don't say "________ like a bitch" anymore.

oh cmon give the guy a break.

 

[riotous]

Tire blow =/= flipping car.

A tire blowing and the resulting attempts to stear a vehicle can certainly result in a flip particularly in a truck.

My point was though that you can never truly predict whether you are only putting yourself at risk.

People who go on the road in junkers or who drive nearly on empty risking running out of gas a lot piss me off for that reason. A stalled or crashed car can be a big danger even if other people are following all safety precautions.

 

[CapitalismSucks DonkeyBalls]

Get proof of the ambulance ride, pay the fine without getting your license suspended, be more responsible next time. Ask to be updated if you're that far away. Get more detail before thinking someone's dying.

In essence, use your fucking head. Had a brother try to commit suicide a few years ago and not only was I 2 hours away, I had no car. I had to drive with my friends that day then get there that night. Shit sucks, but you have to be reasonable.

 

[TheXbox]

None of them called you after basically telling you your mom was having a heart attack? I would've gone fucking ham, OP. That's what you should be mad about. (Cop was right to give you a ticket)

 

[Forsaken82]

Some people here are acting like he was going 100. I go 70 in a 45 some time just to get to work on time. He had a real valid reason to be going fast.

You should probably start leaving for work earlier if you have to go 25 over the speed limit to get to work on time.

What are you shaving off your commute by going 25 over the speed limit to "get to work on time"? Like 5 minutes? Perhaps you should leave like 5 - 10 minutes sooner instead of speeding.

You end up getting a speeding ticket for "trying" to get to work on time guess what, you end up being late by 15-20 minutes anyways. Is that really worth not leaving 10 minutes sooner? Shit, I leave an hour and a half before I need to be at work because it takes me 45 minutes in normal traffic, but I am compensating for an accident which ends up adding 30+ minutes to my commute (and chicago drivers are the fucking worst)

 

[hipbabboom]

if she was in the car with him

maybe

to help him go visit her when he doesnt know her exact condition?

probably not

Here was my situation. I was actually going to seem my mother to see if I could get to my parents home to help... 911 was already called and on my way the cop that pulled me over and I explained the situation and he I need escort. I said no because I didn't know which hospital EMT would be taking her to or if they even arrived yet. As he was telling me to drive safely and not speed after explicitly telling me he wasn't going to give me a ticket, my got a call from the EMT people telling me they stabilized her and they also talked to the cop. Maybe my situation was unique, I don't know but that level of humanity is what I expect from all cops.

 

[Thorakai]

Some people here are acting like he was going 100. I go 70 in a 45 some time just to get to work on time. He had a real valid reason to be going fast.

Start waking up earlier or just take the heat for getting there late.

 

[EloquentM]

Yeah if you speed to get to work you're doing It wrong.

 

[White Man]

I don't even know of any turns where you can go 75 on without going straight through a rail or the corner itself, it would have to be a curve.

This is how I totaled a car for the first time! I rolled a couple of times and there was a telephone pole involved, too. From looking at photos afterward, my car was like half the size as it was before the crash.

 

[Ray Wonder]

None of them called you after basically telling you your mom was having a heart attack? I would've gone fucking ham, OP. That's what you should be mad about. (Cop was right to give you a ticket)

I was pretty pissed later on, but when i walked in I just hugged my mother. I didn't really think about the ticket then.

 

[Futureman]

crying your eyes out going 75 in a 40? sheesh. Doesn't matter if the road was straight as an arrow and no one around, you were going crazy fast.

I would probably speed too in that situation but you are just very emotional right now. You still deserve a ticket bottomline

 

[BronsonLee]

This is how I totaled a car for the first time! I rolled a couple of times, too. From looking at photos afterward, my car was like half the size as it was before the crash.

Wh...wait a second

 

[riotous]

Here was my situation. I was actually going to seem my mother to see if I could get to my parents home to help... 911 was already called and on my way the cop that pulled me over and I explained the situation and he I need escort. I said no because I didn't know which hospital EMT would be taking her to or if they even arrived yet. As he was telling me to drive safely and not speed after explicitly telling me he wasn't going to give me a ticket, my got a call from the EMT people telling me they stabilized her and they also talked to the cop. Maybe my situation was unique, I don't know but that level of humanity is what I expect from all cops.

There's a problem with police letting people get away with breaking the law though... It tends to be based heavily on biases. Did the cop immediately like you/trust you because if some inherent bias?

I support the Police giving me tickets when I'm breaking the law for any reason because I don't want to be let off while that same cop might react differently to a person with a different race/color/creed/sex.

It's not some crusade I'm on but "well he let me go and was super nice" is a double edged sword. The spirit of the law should be the only thing the police take into account when being lenient, in this case the spirit of the law is broken no matter why you are speeding.

 

[PseudoKirby]

A tire blowing and the resulting attempts to stear a vehicle can certainly result in a flip particularly in a truck.

My point was though that you can never truly predict whether you are only putting yourself at risk.

People who go on the road in junkers or who drive nearly on empty risking running out of gas a lot piss me off for that reason. A stalled or crashed car can be a big danger even if other people are following all safety precautions.

Yea, truck or SUV or anything with a high center of gravity then hell yea.


but a car can not flip by just having a tire go out and over correcting it.

 

[EloquentM]

I'm surprised my story was overlooked. I was going much faster than the OP lol.

 

[PseudoKirby]

Wh...wait a second

He means the first time he drove he didnt know that you have to turn the wheel to go around a corner.

I'm surprised my story was overlooked. I was going much faster than the OP lol.

turn yourself in you animal!

 

[Ray Wonder]

I got off with driving 110 in a 65 but the person was in the car with me literally suffocating next to me and coughing up blood. I understand what you're saying OP but honestly the cop had to do his job at that point since there was really no proof to speak of.

Sorry i didn't even see this. That's nuts. I think you can already tell that I would have sped for that as well.

 

[riotous]

Yea, truck or SUV or anything with a high center of gravity then hell yea.


but a car can not flip by just having a tire go out and over correcting it.

With good enough brand new tires on a grippy surface I believe you can flip many non-trucks if you manage to go sideways at high speeds. But yeah in most situations you'd just shred your other tires or bend axles or have other things "give."

I drive an Infiniti G37 so I don't have much worry. Aside from center of gravity having a tire blow only changes the height of that wheel by a couple inches lol. Had this happen to me going 60 on the freeway and just ended up with some rubber burns on my back wheel well and a lot of freaked out drivers near me as my car jolted a good bit.

 

[White Man]

He means the first time he drove he didnt know that you have to turn the wheel to go around a corner.

Nah, I meant the first time I totaled a car I'm up to 3.

 

[Elrond Hubbard]

You weren't going fast enough so you got caught.

Install some NOS for next time.

And we'll get another thread in a few months time titled "NOS lost."

 

[Eighty Deuce]

When I was a kid a cop pulled my mom over when she rushed me to the ER after cutting my leg open from a pool accident. Cop gave her a ticket and she got his badge number. The asschewing the judge gave the cop in court was epic.

 

[studyguy]

How was the OP ensuring the health and safety of his family members? Thats the job of the medical professionals. He was speeding out of sentimental reasons, and in the process putting the actual lives of others in danger.

The first line was meant for the OP, the second sentence was meant for general family emergencies. I already posted a story earlier about rushing a friend who got stabbed to the hospital. If tensions are running high people will do stupid things. My friend caught a ticket and paid it, but it's a small price to pay to have gotten a friend medical help.

Could we have caused a larger accident? Yeah absolutely, but that wasn't going through our minds as my friend bled out in the back of an accura. I personally don't blame the OP, but he should just state his case at court and see what comes of it.

 

[sixteen-bit]

And we'll get another thread in a few months time titled "NOS lost."

I laughed

 

[BronsonLee]

He means the first time he drove he didnt know that you have to turn the wheel to go around a corner.

I..I don't kn-

Nah, I meant the first time I totaled a car I'm up to 3.

:O That's a lot. What happened with em?

 

[Gaz_RB]

Exactly. Seeing your mom before she "dies" is not more important than the lives of the people you're risking.

.

 

[hipbabboom]

There's a problem with police letting people get away with breaking the law though... It tends to be based heavily on biases. Did the cop immediately like you/trust you because if some inherent bias?

I support the Police giving me tickets when I'm breaking the law for any reason because I don't want to be let off while that same cop might react differently to a person with a different race/color/creed/sex.

It's not some crusade I'm on but "well he let me go and was super nice" is a double edged sword. The spirit of the law should be the only thing the police take into account when being lenient, in this case the spirit of the law is broken no matter why you are speeding.

I'm a black man and I was pulled over in Orange County (lower black population) on my way to Los Angeles. It was an Asian cop so I don't think the bias was there one way or the other. I can see how the burden of proof is on the OP but its nice when cops understand that we're humans and show empathy. Maybe the cop understood that help was already on the way and certainly could have held me longer and given me the ticket but I'd like to believe he was a descent human being and knew that was an important situation.

It would cripple the system if everyone was speeding to go see a family member with a health issue but that isn't the case so handling the cases where it happens with a little more empathy seems ethically correct.