I was on a regular patrol shift. My partner and I were driving through a stretch outside the city where accidents often happen — especially on straight roads where drivers tend to speed. Everything was quiet, maybe too quiet.

Then I saw a gray car that literally sped past us as if it didn’t notice us. A quick glance at the radar — 150 km/h. On an empty road, broad daylight. You want to think the person was just in a hurry. But that’s no excuse to break the law.

I immediately checked the plates — no violations, the car was registered and not wanted. I turned on the lights, hit the siren, and signaled to stop. The car seemed to slow down at first but then accelerated again.

Through the loudspeaker, I already warned in a commanding tone:

— Driver, stop immediately! You have broken the rules and will be held accountable.

After a few hundred meters, the car finally stopped on the roadside. I got out and, following protocol, approached the driver’s side. Behind the wheel was a young woman, about 30 years old.

Her face was pale and anxious, and fear was visible in her eyes.

— Do you know the speed limit on this stretch?

— Yes, yes… I know… — she barely whispered, almost out of breath.

— Then may I see your documents — I said firmly, leaning slightly toward the window.

And at that moment, I noticed something was wrong under her feet. There was a puddle on the car floor… 

There was a puddle on the floor… but it wasn’t water from a bottle. I immediately realized: the woman was in labor.

— Has your water broken?

— Please… help me… I’m alone… I have no one… — her voice broke.

No doubt. I immediately reported via radio that I was escorting a pregnant woman to the nearest hospital. I put her in our car and drove as carefully but quickly as possible. Along the way, she almost screamed — the contractions were getting stronger.

I held her hand and tried to calm her as best I could, even though I barely kept my own composure.

We arrived at the hospital literally at the last minute. The doctors were already waiting at the entrance — I had warned them in advance. The woman was immediately taken to the delivery room.

A few hours later I returned — this story stayed with me. Then the midwife came out into the hallway, smiled, and said:

— Congratulations, it’s a girl. Healthy and strong. And the mother is fine.

Probably it’s moments like these that make me love my job. The law is important. But humanity is more important.