What began as a routine traffic stop on a quiet evening quickly turned into a window into one woman’s private struggles. Body-camera audio released by the Mexico State Police captures Officer Savage pulling over a vehicle after noticing it repeatedly hesitating at green lights.
“Hello? Good evening,” the officer greets politely before explaining why he stopped her. “You’re not speeding, but every green light… you’ve just been stopped at the green light. Any reason for that?”
The woman, whose name was not disclosed, admits she was distracted. “I was a bit distracted. I will admit I was being bad. Texting and driving,” she confesses. When asked where she is coming from, she explains she had just left an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. “No shame in that,” Officer Savage replies, trying to keep the tone calm and conversational.
As the stop continues, more details emerge. The driver mentions recent health issues, including a visit to the emergency room the night before. She appears anxious, apologizing several times as she searches for her insurance information and complies with instructions to step out of the vehicle.
Then the encounter takes a more serious turn. “I can smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage,” the officer says while standing by her door. The woman insists she has not consumed alcohol that day, saying her last drink was the previous night. She attributes any lingering odor to bottles still in her car and explains she has been going through a miscarriage and dealing with low iron levels.
The officer explains he simply needs to ensure she is safe to drive. He begins a standard field sobriety check, asking her to follow the tip of his finger with her eyes only. The woman’s voice trembles as she says, “I’m scared… I’ve never gotten in trouble.” Savage reassures her: “You’re not gonna get in trouble. I just want to make sure you’re alright to drive.”
Throughout the test she repeatedly apologizes, asking to spread her feet apart for balance and noting her health concerns. The officer remains calm but firm, emphasizing that focusing on the finger is crucial for the test’s accuracy.
Although the full outcome of the stop is not included in the released clip, the exchange paints a vivid picture of the pressures behind both sides of a roadside encounter. A driver trying to turn her life around, wrestling with addiction and medical issues, and a patrol officer balancing compassion with public safety.
This traffic stop shows how routine police work can intersect with real human vulnerability — a reminder that behind every flashing light on the roadside, there is often a much deeper story unfolding.
About the Author
