Getting pulled over by the police is unnerving even if you have nothing to hide. Those lights in the rear view mirror never fail to speed you heart up. Keep yourself safe during the stop by avoiding these four things: Don’t make sudden movements. If you start reaching between the seats, wiggling a lot or try to get out of the car before being asked, you could end up hurt or shot.

• As soon as you pull to the side of the road, put the car in park
• Sit still with both hands on the wheel until the officer is at your window.

Don’t reach in a purse, pockets or console without asking permission. Tell him beforehand why you need to do so, otherwise the officer might think you are reaching for a weapon and react with violence.

• Announce, “My registration is in the glove box, can I get it out for you?”

Know your rights Don’t get out of the car until asked. It is a natural instinct to open the driver door, get out and start approaching the officer to talk about why you were pulled over. Police do not react well to this.

• Stay in the car with your hands on the steering wheel.
• Don’t get out unless the officer tells you to.

Traffic stops are dangerous Don’t lie. In the old days, you could get away with using your brother’s name, your friend’s address, etc. With today’s technology, you have almost no chance of getting away with it.

• Lying to a cop can land you in jail on a separate charge.

Control your risk factors video Final thoughts: Every year there are news stories about people getting shot and killed because the police thought they had a weapon or were reaching for one. If you are stopped, you will have plenty of time to fight the charge in court. During the stop, the goal is to stay safe.