"My Cop Finder" -or- "Fun with Immigrants"
One evening as I was getting ready to leave work, I noticed that two of my coworkers, a couple who had recently immigrated from Africa, had been sitting by the door for some time, waiting for their ride. I asked them if they would be picked up soon, and they said they were not sure, as their son who was originally supposed to come get them was having car trouble, and they were waiting to see if he could contact anyone else. I offered to give them a ride home, and they were very happy and grateful to accept.
As we drove, my radar detector began to beep a little, and they whispered to each other a bit. I asked them what was wrong, and they timidly asked me what was that thing that was making the noise. I was surprised that they didn't know what a radar detector was, but such things may not be common in other countries. I wasn't sure how to explain it exactly, and I must admit I was feeling a little ornery, so I remarked, "Oh, that finds police."
Of course, they figured I was joking around, or perhaps the American lady is crazy , they thought, exchanging skeptical looks. A device that finds police? What? How? But the radar detector began beeping more and more earnestly, until a police cruiser came into view from the other direction, setting the beeping into a frenzy. I pointed at it and said, "See? There," while suppressing a giggle. They got a bit wide-eyed when they realized I was right. And technically, I guess the radar detector does find police. It also finds motion-sensor alarms, automatic doors and other radar detectors, but I wasn't gonna explain all that. When I dropped them off at home, they thanked me kindly, but with a little bit of an odd look...
Image Credit » http://pixabay.com/en/police-baltimore-police-officer-law-224426/ by BruceEmmerling
Comments
MelissaE wrote on May 28, 2015, 7:19 PM
Ha, ha...it is funny how we take things for granted here in the United States.
valmnz wrote on May 29, 2015, 2:14 AM
Immigrants have so much to learn when they enter a new country, no matter where they're from or where they've arrived. I imagine Americans would find some things about New Zealand quite strange.
MegL wrote on May 29, 2015, 2:39 AM
I have thefeeling those things are illegal here in the UK, though not quite sure about that.
SLGarcia wrote on May 29, 2015, 9:58 AM
Personally I don't see a need for a radar detector. I tend to always drive at a reasonable speed, at or within five miles above the speed limit. I find I get places nearly as quickly as those who seem to fly by me. Just sayin'.
wolfgirl569 wrote on May 29, 2015, 10:34 AM
That would be fun to do to someone. Glad the police car helped you out lol
Gossamer wrote on May 30, 2015, 5:42 AM
I think they're illegal here in Australia too.
I think it's one reason I love cruise control so much. Get to the speed limit and stay there. No speeding fines.
Ellis wrote on May 30, 2015, 8:23 AM
I suppose it saves the excuse 'Yes officer, but 50 MPH is the most economical speed to drive at.'
paigea wrote on May 31, 2015, 3:40 PM
I guess it is a police finder. At least if they have radar. I think they are illigal here.