Okanogan County District Court

Jennifer S

August 8, 2021 I was driving from Seattle to Osoyoos, British Columbia to visit my elderly mother during COVID when my car check engine light came on and my car started to stutter. I was concerned about being stranded at night without cell phone reception on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere so was admittedly driving faster than normal. I wouldn’t have been going above the speed limit, if it weren’t for car trouble. I’ve driven this stretch of highway over a dozen times and have never sped. I was still 2 hours from my final destination, limited cell phone reception and getting dark. Traveling as a single female in the remote interior of Washington, I decided it was a good idea to turn on my hazard lights to alert other drivers in case my car stalled on the highway and needed help. I passed a traffic officer and saw the “lights” turn on. I was pleased to pull over as I was thinking the officer noticed I was in trouble and needed help. I explained I was over the speed limit due to car engine issues. She proceeded to write me a ticket. Shame on you. Given the extenuating circumstances I feel officers should be offering to help, not trying to be opportunistic and make money off an already really stressful and unusual situation. I realize I was in the wrong but feel this was poor judgment. It’s not the money, but rather the lack of empathy and ability to recognize the situation for what it was. Would you also ticket a pregnant woman in labour, going over the speed limit to the hospital?

Jessica Eberts

They where open and helpful