It's funny how red, white and blue mean freedom until they're flashing behind you.

It’s no fun getting pulled over, but it does happen. Sometimes it is because you have been speeding (although that will never happen to you, correct?). Sometimes it will be because you have a taillight that has gone out. And sometimes it will be because you have shot down four people in the back of a 7-11. But since it could be for any of these reasons, don’t panic unless and until you have a reason to do so.

When an officer signals for you to pull over, turn on your right turn signal to indicate that you are preparing to move to the side of the road. This lets him know you’re not planning on engaging in a high-speed chase, which should make him happy. And you definitely want to have a happy cop on your hands.

Slow down and bring your car to a stop on the right shoulder. If you have the option of stopping somewhere that is well lit, try to do that. The nice policeman would like to see your pretty face.

Cease all activity, be it making a cell phone call (via hands-free device, of course), listening to the radio, or snacking on snickers you had promised to the car thief. The officer will need your full attention, so you can pick up with your Basic Spanish tapes later.

Do not exit your vehicle unless you are instructed by the officer to do so. Aside from not wanting you to step out into traffic, the officer will probably be a tad suspicious if you suddenly hop out of your car after being pulled over, as he may assume that you are a lunatic who is about to either run or start firing a handgun. In fact, we may also be starting to suspect you’re a lunatic, because who in their right mind would get out of their car in that situation? Come to think of it, how well do we really know you?

Don’t hide your hands. Even if you just got a really bad manicure, and you want to sit on your hands to keep it a secret, grin and bear it. If the officer can’t clearly see your hands or the hands of your passengers, he may think you’re hiding something (other than your hands, which are not quite the lethal weapons you seem to think they are).