The most pleasant Highway Patrol encounter I've had

Earlier tonight, on my way home from dinner, a North Carolina Highway Patrol officer pulled me over.  All in all, it was an amazingly pleasant experience, the best I've ever had.

When the cop lights went on, I was surprised.  I wasn't speeding and had the cruise control set, so I was at first puzzled as to why they were stopping me.  The trooper who approached my car explained that I had been frequently changing lanes, so he was worried that I might be in trouble.  (What he was really worried about was whether I was drunk, but he sold his concern well.)  He also said I was the first Tesla he had pulled over, and I praised the car, as I tend to do.

I had indeed been changing lanes often.  I do that when I am tired and sometimes even when I'm not, because it breaks the boredom on a long drive and is a good way to avoid eye fatigue.  It is also apparently a good way to attract the attention of a trooper.

I had my license ready when he wanted to see it.  He asked if I had been drinking.  I told the truth:  no, and I don't drink, haven't since I was 17.  He made me follow one finger with my eyes, pronounced me sober (I was), and sent me on my way.

When I was 17, I would not have believed I could have a nice encounter when being pulled over, but I'm happy to report that tonight, to my surprise, I did.