My life changed forever when I was stopped for a speeding ticket – I never imagined those 5 mins would alter my course

A YOUNG driver was pulled over for speeding and the traffic stop changed the course of her life entirely.

Her conversation with the police officer only lasted about 15 minutes, but the impact will last a lifetime.

CBS

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CBS

Abbie Rutledge, a young driver from Birmingham, Alabama , was pulled over by State Trooper J.T. Brown for speeding two years ago.

Rutledge was 20 at the time and fearful of the financial impact a ticket would have on her.

In Birmingham, a ticket for speeding under 25 mph over the speed limit is a whopping $190.

And it jumps to $210 if the recorded speed is 25 mph over the limit.

Rutledge pleaded with Brown, saying she worked a fruitless job and couldn’t afford the fine.

Brown decided to use the traffic stop as a teachable moment for Rutledge.

“And I told her, I said, ‘Well, how about we talk about it then,'” Brown told CBS News .

They both told the outlet their conversation went on for about 15 minutes, discussing different possible career paths for Rutledge to pursue to get out of her “dead-end” job.

In the end, the two agreed she had what it takes to be a nurse.

He left her a handwritten note that read, “Promise me you’ll go to scrub or nursing school, and slow down, and I won’t give you a ticket.”

The two parted ways, and Brown went on with his shift.

For Rutledge, inspiration and ambition struck her like lightning .

“I think it was the right person, right time, and the right words said,” she told CBS News.

Two years later, Rutledge graduated from the surgical technology program at Bevill State Community College in Jasper.

Five minutes talking to anybody, even if you don’t know them, can make the largest impact of their life, ever…You never know when it could happen.

Abbie Rutledge

After she graduated, she got a job at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital .

She says she owes her success and newfound happiness to that traffic stop when Brown pointed her in the right direction.

“As soon as he left, and as soon as I got to where I was going, I started pushing myself toward that career,” she said.

“And now I’m here.”

His words were so powerful to her she invited Brown to her graduation ceremony , and he was happy to attend.

Proper conduct during a traffic stop

According to the ACLU, there are a few tips for ensuring a smooth traffic stop, no matter the violation.

1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place away from traffic as soon as possible.
2. Kill the engine, roll down the windows, and place your hands on the driving wheel. If it’s dark outside, turn on the interior lights to give the officer a good visual. If you’re in the passenger’s seat, keep your hands visible.
3. Only reach for your purse or wallet, registration, and proof of insurance when instructed to by the officers. Do not reach for the glove box until prompted by the officer.
4. Do not make sudden movements. Narrate everything you’re doing, ie, “I’m reaching for my purse in the backseat.”
5. Keep your tone calm and respectful.

Source: ACLU

“I wanted him to see the impression he made on me,” said Rutledge.

“Five minutes talking to anybody, even if you don’t know them, can make the largest impact of their life, ever…You never know when it could happen.”

Brown said her achievement made his otherwise difficult job that much more worth it.

“She made my entire career worth it,” he said.

CBS