Weird sight on the freeway

[Tallship]

Question for CHP types out there. I was travelling up I-15 today and saw a CHP unit had pulled over a car in the center divider. The weird thing was the officer was standing ON TOP of the concrete freeway divider while he was writing the ticket. Looked very strange. Is this some new safety directive?

[Turo]

*Not a LEO*

Maybe he just didn't want to get run over by somebody driving like an idiot in the fast lane? If the person pulled over into the median, it would be prudent for an officer to stand on the side of the car that doesn't have people driving by at 70mph+ and if the person pulled to close to the divider he would have to stand on it. Just my opinion.

[P5Ret]

He was standing on the divider writing a ticket, or talking to the driver? I know CHP preaches right side approach, but if the driver pulls left instead of right like he is supposed to it kind of negates any safety factor for a right side approach. Standing on top of the center divide to write a tag though is a new one, but adaptability to the situation at hand is always a good thing.

[JuliusV]

+1 on adaptability, I feel cheated my FTO didn't teach me this one

[nickbackouris]

Sometimes cops get in goofy moods to add a bit of laughter and variety to an otherwise mundane shift.

Like making traffic stops at 2am wearing a combat helmet and sunglasses.

My guess? The divider was his "combat helmet" that day.

But in all seriousness, freeway traffic stops are unbelievably dangerous, which is why right side approach is stressed. When you are stuck in the middle of the freeway, and no matter how you turn someone is driving at your back at 70+, do whatever makes you feel safer, it's fine by me. When I make the very rare freeway traffic stop, you'll find me as far on the shoulder as humanly possible. The unknown crazy driver of the freeway scares me.

[Vacaville]

I have noticed that it seems more people are pulling over in the center divider over the past 10 years or so. What's up with that? Seems really dangerous to me.

[SLO1911Fan]

I have noticed that it seems more people are pulling over in the center divider over the past 10 years or so. What's up with that? Seems really dangerous to me.

There seems to be a downward trend in IQ over the same time period. There could be a correlation. In all seriousness though, I'm not a LEO, but when I was learning to drive it was practically beaten into me that when you get pulled you pull all the way off. That makes it safer for you, and especially for the cop pulling you over. I saw a car yesterday just slam on the brakes when a cop lit them up. She didn't pull over, didn't signal, just slammed on the brakes in the center lane. He almost rear ended her. Drivers seem to be getting dumber and dumber and making your job more and more dangerous.

[Notorious]

Whatever helps him survive and go home at the end of the shift.