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I got a speeding ticket while trying to get to my mother in the hospital.

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Can somebody figure out where the OP lives and alert the authorities? He should not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle when he has such little regard for traffic safety. The cop fucked up by letting him go. He is a threat to himself and everyone else around him.

This is unbelievable. Literally can't believe you even went there
 
Apologies OP, I understand you were in the heat of the moment and not thinking clearly. But the moment has passed and you still see your actions as justifiable.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Your dangerous actions endangered lives and by the sounds of it you would do the same again not knowing the positive outcome of your mothers health.

You should just be thankful you aren't losing your license, if I had the power I'd take it away.
 

Ray Wonder

Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
Apologies OP, I understand you were in the heat of the moment and not thinking clearly. But the moment has passed and you still see your actions as justifiable.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Your dangerous actions endangered lives and by the sounds of it you'd the same again not knowing the positive outcome of your mothers health.

You should just be thankful you aren't losing your license, if I had the power I'd take it away.

I'm extremely, extremely thankful I'm not losing my license. I thanked the officer about 10 times.
 

TheMan

Member
Been a while since I've seen a stampede of high horses this big. OP, I feel for you. It's easy to be cool and rational while stroking your neckbeard, sitting safe and sound behind a keyboard. In reality, a lot if people would do the same. Was it dangerous? Yes. However, it was understandable given the circumstances. Rest easy knowing that your mom is ok, go to court and avoid that suspension.
 
I would have done the same thing OP but I would also have expected the ticket if caught. You know you were breaking the law but the risk was worth it.
 

Ray Wonder

Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
is your mom ok?

Thankfully she is fine. She's still going through tests now. They think it was something stress related.

I would have done the same thing OP but I would also have expected the ticket if caught. You know you were breaking the law but the risk was worth it.

Yeah, I fully expected to pay the ticket. It's only right, really. I just wanted to know if anyone else has been through something similar and it got thrown out.
 

TheJLC

Member
I would have probably sped too, but not that high. Good to hear your mom is ok. Savor every moment with her so when the time comes, you know you don't have to be there.
 

KHarvey16

Member
It is dangerous, I'm not disputing that. That said, the reaction here is a bit surprising.

I don't think it is, really. He was reckless.

Been a while since I've seen a stampede of high horses this big. OP, I feel for you. It's easy to be cool and rational while stroking your neckbeard, sitting safe and sound behind a keyboard. In reality, a lot if people would do the same. Was it dangerous? Yes. However, it was understandable given the circumstances. Rest easy knowing that your mom is ok, go to court and avoid that suspension.

Would it be understandable if he hit someone?
 

TheOMan

Tagged as I see fit
Yea. He might get a sympathetic judge, but the more likely result will be the punishment will be handed down as it would in any other situation. Your mother being taken to the hospital won't cut it.



This is not similar at all.

The similar part being I got a ticket for speeding while someone was under physical duress. I did caveat with the part in brackets along with the "so...", LOL.
 
I should have thought of this earlier, I just grabbed a screenshot from google maps of the road. I know this still doesn't make it ok, but I just want you to know I wasn't swerving around corners driving like a maniac.
ahaVxLR.gif

There's no median: If you had to swerve for some reason you could have a head on collision with another vehicle at 75 mph.

There's no sidewalk meaning anyone traveling that road would be on the shoulder right by the highway.

Was it so dead you weren't passing anyone? Because each and every time you do that is a risk of something going wrong too.
 
This was illegal OP, but it wasn't wrong.
Seeing a lot of people saying "75 in a 40?! Death awaits!"
Erhm...Not so much guys...

Anyway, you made the choice to go against the law for the sake of your family. Like I said, that's not wrong, but it certainly doesn't negate the illegality of it. Just own up to it, and don't expect an exception just because your intent was good.

I'd have done the same, and I'd have gladly paid $250 if it meant I got to spend my mom's last moments with her.
(In your case that didn't happen, but the thought was the same.)
 

Ray Wonder

Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
There's no median: If you had to swerve for some reason you could have a head on collision with another vehicle at 75 mph.

There's no sidewalk meaning anyone traveling that road would be on the shoulder.

Was it so dead you weren't passing anyone? Because each and every time you do that is a risk of something going wrong too.

Yeah it was pretty dead, I only saw 3-4 cars period. I was on the road for less than a mile. I get on the road right before that picture, and get off at the top of that hill.
 

Ultryx

Member
Your emotions regarding the situation made you speed along, potentially putting other people's lives at risk. Glad she's fine though. I can empathize with the situation.
 

Petrie

Banned
The similar part being I got a ticket for speeding while someone was under physical duress. I did caveat with the part in brackets along with the "so...", LOL.

But it isn't similar at all. In his circumstance someone wasn't under physical duress. In yours they were. The only thing the same was that you were both speeding.
 

GhaleonEB

Member
I should have thought of this earlier, I just grabbed a screenshot from google maps of the road. I know this still doesn't make it ok, but I just want you to know I wasn't swerving around corners driving like a maniac.
ahaVxLR.gif

To add to what others mentioned, there are intersecting roads there where people can turn into or cross the lanes from a stop sign; there's one just ahead on the left. The reason for the lower speed limit is so people can turn out into the road without cars going 75mp barreling down on them. It's easy to misjudge the speed of oncoming cars especially if you have reason to think they are going one speed and they are actually nearly doubling it. (I'm recalling the footage of a motorcycle death from a recent thread, where the biker was going ~30mph over the speed limit, had a car turn in front of them and didn't have time to react.) Whether the road was busy or not that's a very real risk in addition to others (rocks, bikers in the bike lane, lack of median, etc.).

I sympathize with your situation but going 75 on that road was foolish and put people (including yourself) in great danger.

I'm glad things turned out okay.
 

GaimeGuy

Volunteer Deputy Campaign Director, Obama for America '16
It was illegal, and dangerous to you and those around you. But I'm not going to say it was unjustified, or wrong.

Since nothing bad came of it, I'd be hard-pressed to punish you for it, even if you were going 75 in a 40. At least, with the normal punishment (suspension, max penalty on your insurance - 15 points or whatever, $250 fine, etc. )

If you had caused an accident, of course, I'd be all for throwing the book at you, not just
for the accident, but for the speeding, as well.

Does that make me a hypocrite? Perhaps, but I'd bet most of us would be pushing 50 or maybe even 55 in a situation like that. I'd like to say I'd be pulling 40, or 43-45, but it's probably just not true.

I say follow up with the cop with the proof that your mother was in the hospital. See where things go from there. Hell, if you're still facing suspension, I might even ask for a jury trial and count on nullification.
 
Glad your mum is okay. I have no idea how I would react in such a situation. I probably wouldn't get into a car, that's for sure.

Speeding's bad, mmk. Gotta be careful and stuff, mmk. Be safe out there, mmk.
 

Rest

All these years later I still chuckle at what a fucking moron that guy is.
Emotionally fractured man driving 75 in a 40, just be happy they aren't yanking your license.
This. Your emotional duress didn't make your driving any safer, it actually made you make worse decisions while driving and made you less likely to notice and properly process road hazards. You're very lucky you still have a license.
 
Yea, Not sure how I missed that. But dammit...sorry. With that said, I'd still be in a rush. 75mph isn't the end of the world. Unless you're drunk. But a decent straightaway....I'd punch it.



I skimmed lightly and missed a detail.

No need to be condescending about it, I apologized. Sorry if that's not good enough for you random internet person.

Thanks champ!

You are incredibly condescending. Please read before posting next time and every time after that.
 

KHarvey16

Member
It seems ridiculous to me that anyone would think the fact nothing went wrong works to alleviate some of the blame on the OP for the actions he took.
 

Ultryx

Member
It seems ridiculous to me that anyone would think the fact nothing went wrong works to alleviate some of the blame on the OP for the actions he took.

If I was a cop I would probably want to give him a pass. Regardless of whether or not he made it safely doesn't eliminate the danger presented to other people. That said, I know the feeling and it's very difficult not to drive the speed of a jet trying to get to a loved one in a situation like that.
 

KHarvey16

Member
If I was a cop I would probably want to give him a pass. Regardless of whether or not he made it safely doesn't eliminate the danger presented to other people. That said, I know the feeling and it's very difficult not to drive the speed of a jet trying to get to a loved one in a situation like that.

But the reason he's going fast, or how hard it was to not go fast, won't make him or whoever he hits any less dead or injured. I know it is easy to imagine why someone would do it, but it's still inconsiderate and very selfish. Is it worth the life of someone else to get there a minute earlier?
 

a916

Member
While I'm not going to say you shouldn't have been speeding because your mother could have died... you DID endanger the lives of all those people you sped by for 20 (or 45 minutes if the police officer didn't pull you over).

None of those people deserved to have their life endangered either... I'm sorry but I agree with the officer.
 

johnny956

Member
The cop has probably heard every story in the book. He said if you bring proof to court they'll likely reduce (and perhaps drop) the fine. That's fair in my opinion. Many people think nothing will happen from speeding but we've seen it time and time again where something unexpected happens. Whether its someone else changing lanes without a blinker or someone pulling out of a intersection not expecting someone to be going 75 in a 40, it happens.

If you bringt in your mothers paperwork I'd imagine they'll waive the fine or just reduce it to a non-moving violation.
 

dani_dc

Member
In my country any vehicle can turn into an emergency vehicle and follow the same rules as one as long as its an emergency and you identify yourself appropriately (blinking lights and using the horn to alert your presence).

If a cop stops you they might even escort you to the hispital, as long as its an actual emergency.

I don't quite think that's your case though. Your mother was already receiving proper care, so its not like you were rushing to help her.

I can understand your actions, and I do not think you meant any harm with them, but you should realize that while your actions are emotionally understandable, they are still illegal and with good reason.

I do hope that you realize this, and I hope that if you do so the judge will reduce the fine due to the circumstances.
 

Slavik81

Member
Been a while since I've seen a stampede of high horses this big. OP, I feel for you. It's easy to be cool and rational while stroking your neckbeard, sitting safe and sound behind a keyboard. In reality, a lot if people would do the same. Was it dangerous? Yes. However, it was understandable given the circumstances. Rest easy knowing that your mom is ok, go to court and avoid that suspension.
The fact that he was not in a condition to make rational decisions is part of why it's so dangerous. In many places this would not just be in the most extreme category of speeding, but also impared driving.

I don't think they'll suspend his license this time, but if I were him I wouldn't try this again. The law thus far has considered his situation and treated him relatively kindly
 
If someone is dying next to you in a car then I would say most people would agree all bets are off.


In my country any vehicle can turn into an emergency vehicle and follow the same rules as one as long as its an emergency and you identify yourself appropriately (blinking lights and using the horn to alert your presence).

There are still rules. People do die on the road all the time. Even emergency vehicles have to follow the law and could get tickets for speeding (depending on the circumstances).

Usually there are ranges for penalties associated with speeding - if I were the judge I'd give him the lesser penalty because speeding is more acceptable in this situation than for example because you're late for a diner. Almost everyone has said this, almost everyone has said that they'd probably do the same. People are mostly against the entitlement of believing the law doesn't apply to the OP.

edit : well with the road picture it seems a lot more dangerous though.
 

Ray Wonder

Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
I don't think it is, really. He was reckless.
Would it be understandable if he hit someone?

It seems ridiculous to me that anyone would think the fact nothing went wrong works to alleviate some of the blame on the OP for the actions he took.

But the reason he's going fast, or how hard it was to not go fast, won't make him or whoever he hits any less dead or injured. I know it is easy to imagine why someone would do it, but it's still inconsiderate and very selfish. Is it worth the life of someone else to get there a minute earlier?

I get it. I really do. You have to understand that I was not in the mindset to care too much what the speed limit was. I wasn't sitting with a straight head coming up with every single thing that could have went wrong. I have never done this before in the 7 years I have been driving. I don't think I ever will again. It's a scary feeling when the most important person in your life suddenly is at risk of dying. It makes you change.
 

Alucrid

Banned
Yeah it was pretty dead, I only saw 3-4 cars period. I was on the road for less than a mile. I get on the road right before that picture, and get off at the top of that hill.

ok, so this is the road that you were caught on? one mile of a supposed 45 minute journey during which you were speeding throughout
 

Hyunkel6

Member
Has anybody else had a justified reason to speed, and once you went to the magistrate with your ticket, they threw out the case?
My sister once got a parking ticket for dropping a community check for a children's charity. She was late, it was a pretty important event, and she only had to drop the check.

She looked for the officer and explained the situation, but he told her that he could not do anything once the ticket goes into the system.

Lo and behold, weeks later, my sister calls them to ask wth was happening with the ticket. They told her that the officer put a note in the system, and that the officer's supervisor waived the fee. :)
 

Ray Wonder

Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
ok, so this is the road that you were caught on? one mile of a supposed 45 minute journey during which you were speeding throughout

Yup, believe it or not. That's exactly what happened. The road that I take to get there is back country curving hills. I get off there, I go for about 2 minutes. Then I'm back on curvy country road.
 

kiguel182

Member
You aren't an ambulance, you can't go above the speed limit just because you want to take someone to the hospital.

Sure, you are justified and I would probably have done the same. But you still have to suffer the consequences. That's how it works.
 
It's worth a shot. Bring proof of your mom's hospitalization, make sure you check the box or whatever saying you're not contesting the facts of the ticket (so the officer doesn't have to be there), apologize, and bring up your driving record assuming it's clean.
 

jwk94

Member
Been a while since I've seen a stampede of high horses this big. OP, I feel for you. It's easy to be cool and rational while stroking your neckbeard, sitting safe and sound behind a keyboard. In reality, a lot if people would do the same. Was it dangerous? Yes. However, it was understandable given the circumstances. Rest easy knowing that your mom is ok, go to court and avoid that suspension.
What does having a neckbeard have to do with this?
 

railGUN

Banned
You aren't an ambulance, you can't go above the speed limit just because you want to take someone to the hospital.

Sure, you are justified and I would probably have done the same. But you still have to suffer the consequences. That's how it works.

His mom wasn't with him, she was in the hospital.

Yup, believe it or not. That's exactly what happened. The road that I take to get there is back country curving hills. I get off there, I go for about 2 minutes. Then I'm back on curvy country road.

And you were not speeding on the curvy country roads?
 

Maximus.

Member
Glad to hear your mom is ok but that doesn't justify you rushing to the hospital. People around you don't know, you still have to obey the law.
 

Engell

Member
Can somebody figure out where the OP lives and alert the authorities? He should not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle when he has such little regard for traffic safety. The cop fucked up by letting him go. He is a threat to himself and everyone else around him.

Yes because you neeeeeeeeeeeeeeever did anything that was against the law, ever..
 

Veitsev

Member
You aren't justified at all. A collision at that speed would have likely left you and the driver you hit dead along with potential passengers. Imagine your mother getting that news in the hospital. You don't have the right to put others at risk like that for any reason. 75 in 40 is obscene.
 
Probably depends on the state. Here in Maryland you can plead guilty with an explanation, and depending on the judge you might be granted probation before judgement.
 
Just another perspective for the OP.

*Your mum is alive
*You are alive
*You didn't kill anyone with your speeding
*You still have your license
*You got fined $250

Now look at the above points and tell me which is the one you would rather deal with.
 
Sorry brother, you made a bad choice but I could never really hold it against you. A couple years back my Mom called me at like midnight balling crying saying she couldn't breathe. I was asking "What's wrong, Mom!? Please tell me" but she kept saying the same thing, "I can't breathe" and "Help me." I was only about 5 minutes from my house, but my friends and I freaked the FUCK out. My buddy got behind the wheel, while intoxicated, and sped his way to my Mom's house. It was so dangerous and so fucked up, but when it's potentially your mother's life on the line you may make some selfish decisions.

Thankfully everyone was totally fine. And thankfully everything (well, besides the ticket :p) was fine for you OP.
 
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