Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Car Culture

Flouting Traffic Laws: The Gateway to Lying to Police

atodd.jpgEveryone following the blow-by-blow of the presidential race is now familiar with Ashley Todd, the undergrad campaign volunteer who falsely claimed that a black man carved the letter "B" in her face after seeing her McCain bumper sticker. Before Todd's story was proven to be a total fabrication, her Twitter feed surfaced on the Smoking Gun, revealing a preoccupation with traffic, reckless driving, and weaseling out of traffic tickets:

atodd_twitter.jpg

joe_mcc.jpgSeveral tweets about traffic ensue. Meanwhile, the candidate's younger brother, Joe McCain (right), got himself into trouble by calling 911 to complain about a traffic jam in northern Virginia.

It's tempting to think that this behavior is the natural outgrowth of a campaign that responded to rising energy prices by making "Drill, Baby, Drill" its mantra, but the truth is that plenty of drivers -- belonging to both parties -- feel so entitled.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts