One thing I noticed driving in Europe is that you really do not see cops pulling cars over then approaching vehicles with (or without) guns on their hips. I am not saying cops should not be armed, but I am saying that the state (city, whatever) is putting cops lives in danger to collect revenue. I understand some traffic control is helpful, but given the dubious state of traffic "laws" to start with, having armed police pulling over people to shaft them, then have their insurance go up, etc. seems dangerous, especially as the economy grinds to a halt and people are edgy. Just an observation.