“I had no idea” was my first line to the officer, who proceeded to look at me like I had twenty-five heads. We small talked for a good ten minutes, then he ran my license for another 30 minutes, and then comes back and wanted to small talk again.

All that I kept thinking about was how could I not have seen this? Is he giving me a ticket? When the heck am I going to get back on the road? I forgot to ask myself another very important question at this time, where is the nearest place to buy headlights?

Don’t worry, the officer told me along with giving me a ticket.

I was so furious but what was I going to say? So I didn’t, I thanked him and drove to the place to get a new headlight. Looks like this trip will take more than I thought. I kept thinking to myself how crazy I must’ve looked to the officer. He probably thinks I am so irresponsible. How did I not see that headlight was out?

Truth is, I was mad at myself for not checking, but also who the heck checks their headlights daily? Not many people. We find out when it’s too late and you have a ticket in your front seat instead of that chipotle you saw on your way.

Lesson of the day, the week, and even my month- check the darn headlight. Policemen really do give out tickets for those sorts of things as they are dangerous. If I was driving later in the evening when it was super dark and someone did not see my lights, there could’ve been an accident. Checking your headlights is always so important!