What is the most dangerous part of Raleigh

6/12/2012 12:26:27 PM

Quote :

"What is the most dangerous part of Raleigh"

While everywhere and anywhere has the potential for danger, Southeast Raleigh has the highest crime and gang population generally... It's hit or miss everywhere else.


In all honesty, the beltline is the most dangerous place in Raleigh.

6/12/2012 12:30:58 PM

Is that the area around the beltline, the area enclosed by the beltline, or driving on the beltline itself?

6/12/2012 12:43:17 PM

Driving around the beltline... Generally, people are horrid drivers.

6/12/2012 12:45:39 PM

Do cops crack down on unsafe vehicles enough (or at all)? I feel like they don't, as it would seem I see cars with 1, 2 or all 3 brake lights out, bald tires, perhaps a headlight out, a windshield covered in cracks way too often. Do you guys ever pull people for driving in the rain without their headlights on, for failing to signal lane changes, or for blocking traffic in the slow lane?

It seems like all of those offenses are far more dangerous that simply "speeding".

[Edited on June 12, 2012 at 1:05 PM. Reason : k]

6/12/2012 1:00:58 PM

Do you guys ever pull over bicyclists who want to "share the road" but blatantly disregard stop signs, stop lights, etc?

6/12/2012 1:04:33 PM

Quote :

"Do cops crack down on unsafe vehicles enough (or at all)? I feel like they don't, as it would seem I see cars with 1, 2 or all 3 brake lights out, bald tires, perhaps a headlight out, a windshield covered in cracks. Do you guys ever pull people for driving in the rain without their headlights on, for failing to signal lane changes, or for blocking traffic in the slow lane? It seems like all of those offenses are far more dangerous that simply "speeding". "

Personally, I used to stop cars frequently for equipment violations, no headlights while wipers are on, and other safe movement violations... But that was when possible. Depending on the department and area I'm sure, but most of the time I couldn't stop these cars due to call volume. I used to always see people run red lights and do all sorts of unsafe vehicle related crimes, but couldn't ever do anything because I was on my way to a crime.



Fun tidbit on the brake lamp thing. As of right now it's not illegal to have a BRAKE lamp not working, as long as one light in the rear of the vehicle lights up when the brake lever is pressed then that's all you legally need, thanks to recent case law.... This will change in a year or two I'm guessing.

6/12/2012 1:07:07 PM

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"Personally, I used to stop cars frequently for equipment violations, no headlights while wipers are on, and other safe movement violations... But that was when possible. Depending on the department and area I'm sure, but most of the time I couldn't stop these cars due to call volume. I used to always see people run red lights and do all sorts of unsafe vehicle related crimes, but couldn't ever do anything because I was on my way to a crime."

That's reasonable. But all departments "crack down" on speeders from time to time, why not unsafe vehicles instead? Seems like it would do a much greater public service for general safety.

Quote :

"Fun tidbit on the brake lamp thing. As of right now it's not illegal to have a BRAKE lamp not working, as long as one light in the rear of the vehicle lights up when the brake lever is pressed then that's all you legally need, thanks to recent case law.... This will change in a year or two I'm guessing."

That's bizarre, given that you cannot pass inspection with a malfunctioning brake light. Of course expecting anything but hypocrisy from the government is foolish.

[Edited on June 12, 2012 at 1:13 PM. Reason : k]

6/12/2012 1:12:06 PM

what about those brake lamps that are ALWAYS on even when not pressing the pedal?

6/12/2012 1:13:12 PM

^good call

6/12/2012 1:13:39 PM

Does NC have minimum speed limits? If so, and even if someone is driving above that limit, but much slower than other traffic, would/could they be cited? I don't see why this isn't done more often. Speed differential causes accidents, not just speed.

6/12/2012 1:14:15 PM

Do you ever see someone speeding, running a red light, etc but let them go if it's nasty weather outside?

[Edited on June 12, 2012 at 1:15 PM. Reason : go]

6/12/2012 1:14:43 PM

Quote :

"what about those brake lamps that are ALWAYS on even when not pressing the pedal? "

That's a REAR lamp, separate from brake lamp. If you only have one REAR lamp working you're in violation. Currently, if you only have one BRAKE lamp, you're not.

6/12/2012 1:19:25 PM

Quote :

"That's a REAR lamp, separate from brake lamp"

No he's talking about the brake lamps. I've seen numerous cars over the years with their brake lights stuck on. This usually happens when a sensor connected to the brake pedal breaks. The rear lamps may be on as well, but the brighter brake lamp filaments (and 3rd brake light) are on as well.

6/12/2012 1:21:18 PM

Quote :

"Does NC have minimum speed limits? If so, and even if someone is driving above that limit, but much slower than other traffic, would/could they be cited? I don't see why this isn't done more often. Speed differential causes accidents, not just speed. "

Some interstates do. But it's possible to cite/charge if they are intentionally impeding the regular flow of traffic, will you win if they fight in court? Absolutely not.

Quote :

"Do you ever see someone speeding, running a red light, etc but let them go if it's nasty weather outside?"

Different cops feel differently about "working" in the rain. I personally didn't mind getting wet.

6/12/2012 1:21:27 PM

Quote :

"No he's talking about the brake lamps. I've seen numerous cars over the years with their brake lights stuck on. This usually happens when a sensor connected to the brake pedal breaks. The rear lamps may be on as well, but the brighter brake lamp filaments (and 3rd brake light) are on as well."

Well if he's talking about the illuminated BRAKE lamp, then by statue should still be fine. Does that mean he may not get cited? Depends on how up to date the cop is on statue/case law.

6/12/2012 1:23:00 PM

well shit. that sucks. I hate those because you never know when they're actually braking!

6/12/2012 1:34:10 PM

It's a current loophole that was brought out in case law. They will haven to amend the statue to say brake lamps, instead of lamp.

6/12/2012 1:38:44 PM

Quote :

"Do you guys ever pull over bicyclists who want to "share the road" but blatantly disregard stop signs, stop lights, etc?"

Interested to his answer in this question. Obviously I'm in a different city where the "biking" scene is much different...but still curious to what a police officer's attitude towards this is.

6/12/2012 1:45:56 PM

I cant stand it when a bicyclist pulls up past all of the cars waiting at a red light. I guess they feel they need to share the road, but not follow the laws.

6/12/2012 1:52:36 PM

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""Do you guys ever pull over bicyclists who want to "share the road" but blatantly disregard stop signs, stop lights, etc?""

This was actually a huge pet peeve of mine when I was on the road... Granted where I worked they were mostly drug dealers circling the block as lookouts or mules, I frequently stopped bicycles for chapter 20 violations.

They are very dangerous.

6/12/2012 1:52:37 PM

Do you feel self-conscious if you stop for doughnuts in your squad car?

6/12/2012 2:06:02 PM

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"Do you feel self-conscious if you stop for doughnuts in your squad car?"

Don't eat'em but I did go to a D&D one time and order an iced coffee - I could feel the stares.

[Edited on June 12, 2012 at 3:29 PM. Reason : ...]

6/12/2012 3:28:40 PM

To the cops who do this --

Why do you drive the speed limit on the belt line during rush hour? When you do that, everyone slows down and it creates a traffic hazard.

6/12/2012 3:32:26 PM

^similar question, is it legal for cops to speed w/out lights/siren?

6/12/2012 6:04:18 PM

Quote :

"similar question, is it legal for cops to speed w/out lights/siren?"

§ 20-145. When speed limit not applicable.

The speed limitations set forth in this Article shall not apply to vehicles when operated with due regard for safety under the direction of the police in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or of persons charged with or suspected of any such violation, nor to fire department or fire patrol vehicles when traveling in response to a fire alarm, nor to public or private ambulances and rescue squad emergency service vehicles when traveling in emergencies, nor to vehicles operated by county fire marshals and civil preparedness coordinators when traveling in the performances of their duties. This exemption shall not, however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the safety of others. (1937, c. 407, s. 107; 1947, c. 987; 1971, c. 5; 1977, c. 52, s. 3; 1985, c. 454, s. 5.)

6/12/2012 6:40:03 PM

I have a serious question for Restricted: What are your thoughts about State's receivers? Do you think we'll be able to put up many points through the air this season?

6/12/2012 7:04:05 PM

I would really like to see Sterling Hicks step-up and become a leader this year.

6/12/2012 7:12:18 PM

hmmm, so emergency personnel can drive as fast as they want and its a just a judgement call whether they use the siren/lights?

seems like a recipe for danger

thx for posting the statute

6/12/2012 8:59:15 PM

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"I cant stand it when a bicyclist pulls up past all of the cars waiting at a red light"

Some of the more bicycle-friendly cities, i.e. Portland, have addressed this by allowing cyclists to immediately head to the front of the queue




Restricted, is wearing the batman belt a pain in the ass or do you get used to it??

[Edited on June 12, 2012 at 9:09 PM. Reason : ]

6/12/2012 9:08:03 PM

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"hmmm, so emergency personnel can drive as fast as they want and its a just a judgement call whether they use the siren/lights? seems like a recipe for danger "

Actually, there are situations where it is safer to maneuver an emergency vehicle without the blinding and deafening intimidation of the lights/sirens. If you have ever ridden in an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on, it can be downright frustrating at times waiting on other drivers to decide if they are going to stop in the middle of the road, or get the fuck out of the way.

6/12/2012 9:17:50 PM

so the people in cars have to pass their slow asses again?

6/12/2012 9:20:38 PM

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"Some of the more bicycle-friendly cities, i.e. Portland, have addressed this by allowing cyclists to immediately head to the front of the queue "

Thats fucking stupid because then at every stop all of the cars that have passed the cyclist already have to find a safe place to pass the cyclist again. Cyclists that do this shit are just asking for motorists to be less respectful of their space when they have to pass them again for the second time.

6/12/2012 9:23:53 PM

Quote :

"No he's talking about the brake lamps. I've seen numerous cars over the years with their brake lights stuck on. This usually happens when a sensor connected to the brake pedal breaks. The rear lamps may be on as well, but the brighter brake lamp filaments (and 3rd brake light) are on as well."

Actually there are two types of problems here. The less common one would be a sticky brake light switch, which would cause all the brake lamps to stay illuminated. Since there is no law against someone riding the brakes, as long as the vehicle in question is traveling the speed limit and not impeding traffic, I don't know what you would want the cops to do for you.
The other type of problem, and the one that irritates me is when you see ONE brake light that appears to be constantly illuminated. This is most often caused when there is a bad ground or short circuit in the brake lamp circuit circuit and/or someone has installed the incorrect bulb into the the lamp. Placing a higher wattage bulb than specified can actually cause taillights to melt and this can cause the first problem, where current that is supposed to be traveling through the tail light circuit crosses over to the higher wattage filament of the brake lamps. Usually you see this on Mercedes that get serviced at Jiffy Lubes, etc.



I have a question for the police: is it in any way illegal for a person to purposefully direct the discharge of their lawnmower towards another person's property and intentionally lower the blade all the way down (as to kick up as much debris/rocks as possible)???

6/12/2012 9:30:22 PM

Quote :

"Restricted, is wearing the batman belt a pain in the ass or do you get used to it??"

Yup, the first year I had bruises that would never heal. Pretty much accustom to it now but would love to be able to use a load bearing vest (but its a little a too paramilitary looking). But the bat belt will always be lighter than my SWAT load out.

6/12/2012 9:44:29 PM

Do you ever disarm someone with a chl that is carrying other than a situation where you think they are drunk driving?

If I make a safe u turn and there is a no u turn sign will you bother with it granted I don't look sketchy? Sometimes they have those signs in a perfectly clear intersection with barely anyone around, busy unsafe intersections not included.

6/12/2012 9:44:37 PM

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"Do you ever disarm someone with a chl that is carrying other than a situation where you think they are drunk driving?"

No. I had a deputy do it to me and I went ballistic (he reached in the window and grabbed it off the passenger seat).

Quote :

"If I make a safe u turn and there is a no u turn sign will you bother with it granted I don't look sketchy? Sometimes they have those signs in a perfectly clear intersection with barely anyone around, busy unsafe intersections not included."

As long as you don't tell on me. But yeah sometimes I will depending on the intersection or what I got going on.

[Edited on June 12, 2012 at 9:58 PM. Reason : ...]

6/12/2012 9:57:53 PM

why are there fat people on the force?

6/12/2012 10:12:39 PM

Quote :

"why are there fat people on the force?"

Most of them were skinny at one point but its pretty unacceptable.

6/12/2012 10:14:12 PM

In the state of NC, is it legal to turn left across two sets of double yellow lines? I think most people refer to them as painted islands. Example:

6/13/2012 7:52:59 AM

I've read articles about people being abducted/killed/etc from someone who was impersonating a police officer and pulled them over. Most of the articles suggest calling 911 to verify that it's a real cop. What's your opinion on this? Any advice for someone who is being pulled over by an unmarked car and/or plain clothes cop?

6/13/2012 8:13:09 AM

have you ever had a hottie flirt her way out of a ticket?

[Edited on June 13, 2012 at 8:36 AM. Reason : this post inspired by seeing begonias as the last poster]

6/13/2012 8:36:09 AM

Quote :

"In the state of NC, is it legal to turn left across two sets of double yellow lines?"

Is it even legal to turn left across a single set of double yellow lines?

6/13/2012 9:16:16 AM

Quote :

"I've read articles about people being abducted/killed/etc from someone who was impersonating a police officer and pulled them over. Most of the articles suggest calling 911 to verify that it's a real cop. What's your opinion on this? Any advice for someone who is being pulled over by an unmarked car and/or plain clothes cop?"

This has become a more and more asked question with all the "blue light bandit" scares the media has brought to light. This has been a problem for as long as I have know though...

If it's a marked deputy, patrol vehicle, SHP vehicle I would always pull over as quickly and safely as possible. If its an unmarked vehicle if you're not comfortable then call 911 but try to pull over as quickly in a safe area as possible.

This is kind of a catch 22 because I'd like to urge people to be cautious about the whole law enforcement impersonators, generally if someone doesn't pull over right away it instantly triggers all sorts of alarms in a cops head. Also there is state statue about failing to yeild to blue lights, fleeing to elude (misd. and felony), etc.

If you are in a situation where you honestly don't believe its a real cop, call 911, and put on flashers and make some sort of acknowledgement that you intend to pull over once you feel safe and can verify that it's law enforcement. Just be ready for a very edgy cop/deputy/trooper and know there will be probably quite a few more coming in your direction.

6/13/2012 9:17:38 AM

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"In the state of NC, is it legal to turn left across two sets of double yellow lines? I think most people refer to them as painted islands. Example: "

Not exactly sure what you're referring to... But as far as solid lines, no it's not illegal to turn on them, they are solid or dotted to allow/disallow passing.

6/13/2012 9:20:29 AM

^Specifically this turn:



A closer look at the road markings I'm referring to (imagine the car in this picture wants to turn left into the driveway/parking lot directly to it's left):

6/13/2012 10:05:34 AM

Are there any stickers on a vehicle which you have heard another cop say swayed their decision to ticket or not? Police Benevolent Association, Armed Forces, Firefighter/Firefighter's family that kinda stuff?

6/13/2012 10:11:00 AM

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"Do you guys ever pull over bicyclists who want to "share the road" but blatantly disregard stop signs, stop lights, etc?"

I almost t-boned one yesterday while driving to work. I was in the right lane on a main road and he comes full speed down this side road, ignores the stop sign and forces me to swerve into the other lane. I was about 2 inches away from hitting this guy. I was going 45-50 mph. I literally had no warning. I just saw him out of the corner of my eye. He's lucky he's not dead. I kind of wanted to get in front of him and force him to stop and beat the ever living fuck out of him, but I was in a hurry.

Had I not swerved and hit him would I have been charged or held at fault?

6/13/2012 10:15:26 AM

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"Had I not swerved and hit him would I have been charged or held at fault?"

Were you obeying traffic laws? If so, then you shouldn't be held at fault. How is that difficult to understand?

6/13/2012 10:29:02 AM

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6/13/2012 10:34:07 AM