3 things to do - and 3 things to NEVER do - when pulled over by the police!

Uh oh.... You know that sinking feeling: a cop's lights are flashing in your rearview mirror and you're being told to pull over. Your day or night is about to get a major "ding."

A simple traffic stop hardly seems "simple" at the time; it's easy to let emotions or the stress of the moment get out of hand, which can make a bad situation escalate from zero to sixty before you know it.

So if you ever find those lights flashing behind you, here are some smart "do's" and (definitely) "don'ts" to keep in mind.

1. DO: Pull over ASAP.

Naturally, signal first then safely come to a stop. Make sure you're far enough off the road to give the officer room. If it's at night, you have the right to keep driving until you find a safe, lighted area. In that case, dial 911 and let them know you're aware of the cop, but you're on your way to a safer location.

2. DO: Deal with the officer in a smart way.

That cop has no idea what they may be walking in to. So cooperate, and don't do anything that might look suspicious. Roll your window down, especially if they're tinted. Don't reach for your license and registration until they request it; reaching into your glove compartment or purse may be mistaken as going for a gun.

One good idea is to keep those documents in a small, brightly-colored envelope. This allows the officer to see it clearly.

Turn off the ignition, and for good measure, put the keys on the dashboard. They'll know you don't intend to take off. Also, keep your hands where they can see them.

3. DO: Keep your responses short, but polite.

That whole "right to remain silent" thing comes in handy in these situations. The officer may ask, "Do you know why I stopped you?" or "Do you know how fast you were going?" Respond with a simple "yes" or "no" (and don't try to lie - that never works).

While you may be asked some other questions, like your name and address, you're not required to say anything beyond that. "I choose not to answer that" is all you need to reply. You don't want to say anything that might be used against you later on.

You should be aware that if you're held for a longer-than-usual period of time, the officer must either let you go or arrest you. It's perfectly acceptable to politely ask him if you're free to go.

OK, now that you know the "do's" of a traffic stop, here are some important "don'ts."

4. DON'T: Get out of the car unless he directs you to.

That can easily be perceived as threatening behavior. Along those same lines, don't make any sudden moves, like reaching under the seat, in the glove compartment or into your jacket.

5. DON'T: Consent to a search without a good reason.

If the officer clearly sees something in the open, like an open beer bottle or suspects you of trying to hide something (another reason to keep your hands visible at all times), they have "probable cause." They can then search your car or person. That also applies if you've been placed under arrest. But if the officer casually suggests they just "take a look," you don't have to agree.

6. DON'T: Get confrontational. Not here, not now.

Yes, this is obvious. No, it doesn't mean you need to put up with a situation you feel is unjust. Make a note of the officer's name and badge number. More people also choose to record the encounter. Then deal with any issue later in court, where cooler heads prevail.

On that note, if you are arrested during a traffic stop, you have the right to an attorney and should get one ASAP. Don't make a bad situation worse by waiting; let an expert get to work on your behalf to handle things, and bring you closer to putting the whole event in the rearview mirror.