Lights in the rear view flashing red and blue: What to do

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!

How not to get pulled over on your way home tonight: 3 No-Brainers

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.

3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red sports coupe with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.

Love Riding With The Top Down? You Can Thank Mazda For That.

Cruising with the top down this summer?  While you’re enjoying that breeze, just keep in mind that the design you love today had some very cool beginnings.  Back in 1988, Mazda engineer Takaharu Kobayakawa showed up to his favorite ski resort in the RX-7 Convertible with its top down.  Crazy, right?  Surprisingly, no.  We’d call it smart.  With its heater vents carefully aimed, this pivotal moment led to his invention of the wind blocker.

The design has been imitated by almost all convertible manufacturers since.