The statistics of accidents caused by drunken drivers proves that, despite the tough methods of dealing with this phenomenon, the number of accidents does not decrease. Taking advantage of this situation, some traffic police officers fraudulently force drivers to pay on the spot for an alleged offense. In order not to fall into the trap of swindlers, you should familiarize yourself with their basic methods.
Drunk driving is a frequent case in Russia, not only for holidays or weekends, but also on weekdays. It is not connected, as a rule, with the time interval. A drunk driver gets behind the wheel with only one thought: "If only not to run into a road patrol." As practice shows, at this moment a person does not admit a single thought that in a state of alcoholic intoxication, he poses a serious threat to the life and health of people around him. And he can not only ruin his life, but also interrupt one or more strangers.
Strengthening measures to identify, counteract and prevent drunk driving is, of course, positive. But it is not uncommon for traffic police officers to use various far-fetched, illegal or fraudulent ways and methods to obtain money from bona fide road users. The extortion of unscrupulous employees, covered by the framework of the law, is becoming more common.
Ways and methods of divorce of traffic cops
Despite the relatively limited number of ways to deceive law-abiding drivers, the chance of falling for the "bait" is quite high. This is evidenced by the numerous negative and outraged statements on the forums on the Internet, and complaints to the relevant authorities.
The most common methods of cheating drivers are:
- Using an unverified or questionable breathalyzer.
- Replacing the device or receipt until the driver sees or is absent.
- Adding alcohol-containing substances or objects to the device or part of it before checking the driver's condition.
Another method of deception, which is relevant in winter, is the addition of alcohol to the washer fluid, the vapors of which fill the interior of the patrol car when the driver is in it. In this case, the result will always not be in his favor.
The readings of the device, proving the presence of alcohol in the blood, allow the traffic police officer to influence the driver in an intimidating manner. The first stage is the threat of deprivation of a driver's license with the prospect of being left without a car for a period of one and a half to two years. Confused by unexpected results and possible consequences, the driver, as a rule, is ready to "negotiate" almost immediately.
If the driver does not propose to solve the issue on the spot first, the employee proceeds to the next stage, namely: he hints that for his sake, on such and such a day or by some other coincidence, he is ready to close his eyes, and for a symbolic amount not to draw up a report on the violation with sending for examination to a medical institution. This will also be a mistake, as in 2019 a number of amendments were made to the legislation regarding drunk drivers. In particular, a medical examination is a mandatory procedure in case of suspicion or confirmation of the presence of alcohol in the blood of the driver by the breathalyzer.
If the driver is sure of deception and agrees to undergo the certification procedure, this does not mean a favorable outcome of the case. Traffic cops often have agreements with the doctors performing the procedure, whose verdict is almost impossible to refute.
How to protect yourself from deception and extortion
In order not to become a victim of prudent and cunning traffic cops, it is worth knowing the legal rights and obligations of both parties, as well as carefully monitoring the actions of the employee, without losing sight of the breathalyzer. In addition, before passing the test, it is worth carefully examining the seal of the device and the mouthpiece offered for the test.
You can refuse a request from a traffic police officer to take a test for the presence of alcoholic intoxication, referring to the Regulation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which obliges to carry out such a procedure in the presence of at least two witnesses using a certified device equipped with a printing device.
Also, do not talk with the traffic cop for longer than necessary and on abstract topics. There can be no informal conversations with an employee during execution.
When drawing up the protocol, it is necessary to indicate the exact readings, and before signing the document, make sure that the number "0" does not appear in the corresponding column. In this case, after the stopped car leaves, the employee, having a signed verification act, can write any numbers after "0", which makes the driver automatically guilty, and the judicial review of deprivation of rights is just a formality.
If the test is passed, and the breathalyzer showed an excess of alcohol in the blood, the driver and the employee are sent to a medical institution for examination, it is necessary to record everything that happens. The recorded record will be evidence of illegal, criminal actions of persons by prior conspiracy. You should also demand to take a urine test, which is not examined by a doctor, but in a laboratory, which will allow you to get complete and reliable results about the real condition of the driver.
Legal knowledge and confidence in their actions will allow you to quickly and easily get out of the situation with extortion on the roads.
