What should you do first if you are pulled over by the police?

When you are pulled over by the police, the foremost action to take is to activate your turn signal and pull over safely. This step is crucial for several reasons. First, it demonstrates to the officer that you acknowledge their presence and are complying with their request to stop. Pulling over safely means finding a secure place on the road, ideally out of the flow of traffic, which not only ensures your safety but also the safety of the officer and other road users.

Once you have successfully pulled over, it is appropriate to take further actions, such as turning off your vehicle, lowering the window, and preparing your documents, but ensuring that you're in a safe position on the side of the road is always the priority. This action establishes a positive foundation for the interaction and helps to de-escalate any potential tension.