We're forgetting this one little tidbit here.
Quote:
I was cruising between 70-75 mph.
I saw way ahead of me a state trooper pulled out of his hiding place. Now, I knew he hadn't tagged me with radar because I had several cars in front and to the right of me.
So, as soon as I saw him I carefully switched lanes and slowed down a bit.
Now I'm cruising doing just under 60 in a 55.
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Just because he didn't - or, may not have - gotten you on radar, he most likely observed your speed, followed shortly thereafter by the normal reaction: Slowing down and changing lanes. This sometimes triggers a response of: "Wow...that guy really doesn't want to be pulled over. I'm gonna pull him over."
Radar isn't 'Point at traffic and wait' (Although I'm sure there are plenty of cops that do). The actual theory is that an officer is trained to estimate speed within two miles per hour and observe the speed first, then CONFIRM the speed with radar. Testimony in court would go like this:
"I observed Mr. So and so's vehicle approaching at approximately 75 miles per hour. When I utilized my dash-mounted radar, I confirmed that he was traveling at 73 miles per hour."
It was probably like this: "Hmmm...that T/A is moving kind of fast. Ooops! Saw me...slowing down...let's check him out anyway. Not too fast. Weaving a little in the lane. Let's check him out and make sure he's not drunk before I set back up and catch someone going even faster than 70."
As for what to do when pulled over: Get all the way to the right. If it's dark out, turn on the interior light. Roll down both windows (Some cops love coming up on the passenger's side)Then put both hands on the steering wheel and wait for further instructions. The hands are the dangerous part because as pointed out earlier, when you can't see them, they could be reaching for guns.
My two cents. Glad it worked out.