Navigating the Car Wash: A Lesson in Responsibility and Discretion

In a surprising turn of events, a 76-year-old woman found herself on the receiving end of a ticket after a minor incident at a car wash. Arlene Branham, a seasoned driver, had recently taken on the task of car washing after the passing of her husband, who had previously handled the chore. However, her unfamiliarity with the car wash process led to an unexpected encounter with a state patrol trooper, sparking a debate about the legality and necessity of the citation.

Unexpected Encounter at the Car Wash

A Novice's Mistake

Arlene Branham, a 76-year-old woman, had always relied on her late husband to handle the task of car washing. However, after his passing, she knew it was time to take on this responsibility herself. Despite her years of driving experience, Branham found herself in unfamiliar territory when she visited the Cobblestone Car Wash in Arvada, Colorado.As Branham navigated the car wash, she missed a crucial sign that instructed customers to put their vehicles in neutral. Unaware of this requirement, Branham's car came to a stop, inadvertently bumping the state patrol cruiser in front of her. This unexpected incident set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to Branham receiving a ticket for careless driving.

The Trooper's Perspective

The state patrol trooper, who was present at the car wash, quickly responded to the situation. Bodycam footage obtained by KUSA-TV captured the interaction between the trooper and Branham. The trooper inquired whether Branham had left her car in drive, to which she admitted that she had.The trooper then informed Branham that he would be issuing her a ticket for careless driving, explaining that this charge was valid even on private property. The decision to issue the ticket was not an easy one, as the responding troopers had to deliberate on the appropriate course of action.

Discretion and the Law

Sergeant Patrick Rice of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) clarified that troopers have the authority to issue tickets for certain violations, even on private property. Offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, careless driving, and unsafe backing can be cited by CSP officers, regardless of the location.In Branham's case, the troopers had to weigh the circumstances and determine the appropriate charge. One trooper suggested issuing a careless driving ticket, as it applied to the incident on private property. However, another trooper acknowledged that the decision was ultimately up to the officer's discretion.

The Aftermath and Branham's Perspective

Branham expressed her disappointment with the ticket, stating that she felt it was unnecessary. She argued that the incident resulted in minimal damage and that the vehicles were barely moving at the time of the collision. Branham's disbelief was palpable, as she questioned the $169 fine and the two points added to her driving record.Despite the trooper's explanation that the standard procedure is to issue a ticket when a crash occurs and a law violation can be proven, Branham remained unconvinced. She believed that the decision to issue the citation was unjustified, given the minor nature of the incident.

Lessons Learned and the Importance of Responsibility

The incident at the Cobblestone Car Wash serves as a reminder that even on private property, drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles and ensuring the safety of others. While the troopers had the discretion to issue a ticket or not, their decision-making process was guided by the need to uphold the law and promote responsible driving practices.For Branham, this experience has highlighted the importance of being attentive to her surroundings and following the instructions provided in unfamiliar situations. As she navigates the challenges of life without her husband's guidance, this incident has become a learning opportunity, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adaptability when it comes to everyday tasks.The case of Arlene Branham and the car wash ticket underscores the complexities of law enforcement and the delicate balance between discretion and the application of the law. While the outcome may have been unexpected, it serves as a reminder that responsible driving is a shared responsibility, regardless of the location.