PREEMPTIVE STRIKES

* Remain calm.

* Upon pulling over, turn on your car's interior light. Then power down your back and front windows, especially if they're tinted. Hopefully, this will put the officer at ease.

* Place both hands on the steering wheel and keep them there until the cop tells you otherwise.

* Answer all questions politely and with the same respect you would expect.

* Follow the police officer's directions.

* Announce your movements, even if you're following an officer's orders to make that move. * If the officer is going to write you a ticket and you don't agree, save your complaints for the courtroom.

* If you wish to file a complaint, try to write down the cop's name and his or her badge and car number. After the stop, record the officer' physical attributes, and the date, time, location and any witnesses to the stop.

*By law you're required to produce a driver's license, registration and insurance card. Carry them at all times; failure to do so could result in a ticket or arrest.

*Act responsibly. For instance, don't drive if you know your license is suspended or revoked.

*Don't carry anything that can be classified as contraband - like weed or illegal weapons.