I guess if you realize where the cops are coming from, you will learn to be patient with them and give them due respect.

As my neighbor cop in Fremont, CA told me, every situation could potentially be their last. A lot of cops have been killed over seemingly minor traffic violation stops that escalated quickly and violently either due to hot tempers, hidden drugs or outstanding warrants.

Thus even for what are minor infractions for us (like speeding, beating the red light, California stop, etc.) the arresting cop is usually on heightened alert and tense as s/he approaches our car. That is why you often see the cop with a hand by the side, ready to draw.

It helps to calm them down considerably when they see the driver comply with the standard guidelines - sitting still in the driver's seat, both hands on the steering wheel where the cop can see them, eyes straight, not moving until instructed otherwise. It further puts them at ease when the driver addresses them politely as "sir" or "ma'am" and speak in a calm voice.

If you follow the above, you stand a good chance of the cop letting you off with just a warning, specially if it is a minor infraction.