Apparently my night driving has created two new flaws, as evidenced driving home Tuesday evening from one community to another. It seems I hesitate too long when a stop light turns green and unknown to me I “hug” the center yellow line, maybe a slight swerve or two. That’s what the officer told me.

Yes, I was stopped about 9:15 pm on my drive home, minding my own business, listening to the radio, wondering why the vehicle behind me seemed to be a bit close–tailgating actually…the swirling lights answered that question.

I pulled over. I put the window down. I kept my hands on the wheel. I greeted the officer who didn’t look old enough to shave. I tried to answer his question ‘do you know why I stopped you?’ Why is that the standard first sentence out of their mouths?…I guess I’ll have to ask…followed by the next routine question…’where are you coming from?’ I’m pretty sure they want to see if alcohol can be smelled while having these quizzes…

Tuesday, I had been at a Celebrate Recovery meeting giving my testimony. When I told that to my way-too-young officer he said, “Oh, for alcohol or drugs? (there goes the ole assumption again–everyone in recovery must be an addict!) ‘No, for food issues and codependency’. My answer landed flat, like a deflated balloon falling from the ceiling to the floor.

I provided the usual documents. I confirmed the absence of weapons in my vehicle. I waited for him to run the system for my record.

I listened as he explained that by hesitating too long at the green light I was endangering other drivers. This was his response after I explained to him that as a defensive driver, I always wait a tad bit when my light turns green because I’ve almost been smooked by an oncoming driver. He acknowledged my caution, but made it clear I’m the more dangerous person.

I had no defense for occasionally hugging the center yellow line. I’m sure he was looking to snag an “driving under the influence” person. I got a mild scolding for that offense as well.

What I didn’t get was a “happy belated birthday”. Ya, two days after turning 70 I had an experience with a community police officer that maybe made some assumptions? 

His parting conversation with me included ‘So, no alcohol, no drugs, no shots tonight?’

No, sir. Just water. And a bit more educated about green lights and my version of defensive driving.