Kunes Car Convo: Road Safety with Lieutenant Phil Tucker of the Delavan PD

Welcome back to another Kunes Car Convo, where we ride along with local heroes and talk cars, community, and everything in between. This time, Rich is taking a spin with Lieutenant Phil Tucker of the Delavan Police Department—and they’re doing it in style, behind the wheel of a Ford F-150 police cruiser.

Together, they cover the most common traffic violations, what they really mean for drivers, and how to stay safe (and ticket-free) on the roads.

Lieutenant Tucker breaks it down simply: “Anything that takes your attention off safely operating your vehicle is considered inattentive driving.” That includes texting, emailing, or even watching videos.

Key Takeaways:

• Texting while driving could cost you up to $400.
• Accidents due to distraction? Now you’re facing possible injury, property damage, or worse.
• Even though Wisconsin doesn’t have a full hands-free law, zones like construction areas and for probationary drivers do have restrictions.

Also known as "tailgating," this one’s a big issue. The rule of thumb? One car length for every 10 mph you’re driving.

“Always think—if the vehicle in front of you slammed on its brakes, could you stop in time?” says Rich.

Defined legally as negligent operation of a vehicle, this includes anything from extreme speeding to weaving through traffic.

Fun Fact: Reckless driving, OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), and hit-and-run can be enforced on private property, unlike many other traffic offenses.

A lane change becomes illegal when you:

• Don’t signal.
• Cut someone off.
• Change lanes too close to an intersection (within 100 feet).

Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on mirrors and sensors—check your blind spots!

This often causes confusion, but it’s all about who has the right to continue without stopping.

Examples:

• The through-lane driver has the right of way if another lane is ending.
• When merging onto a highway, it’s your job to yield to drivers already on the road.

If you're caught without insurance:

• Expect fines of up to $400, plus court costs.
• Your car might get towed on the spot.
• Many officers, like those in Delavan, give you a few minutes to find digital proof—but no guarantees.

Good news: Digital insurance cards are accepted in Wisconsin.

Yes, it’s technically not required if no one else is around, but it’s always best to signal.

If there’s any traffic that could be affected by your move, signal. It’s a habit worth forming—even out in the boonies.

When you see flashing lights and hear sirens:

• Move to the right and stop if you can do so safely.
• If you're in the left lane, wait for a safe gap—first responders understand if it takes a few seconds.
• And always remember: where there's one emergency vehicle, more are likely behind.

• The legal limit is 0.08% BAC.
• For repeat offenders, CDL drivers, or underage individuals: zero tolerance applies.
• You can still be arrested below 0.08% if you're clearly impaired.

Fun fact: OWI and “Prohibited Alcohol Content” are separate charges—but you can’t be convicted of both at once.

Yes, Delavan officers wear body cams. While they’re not always recording, any traffic stop or incident of concern will be documented.

Lieutenant Tucker quipped: “Mine’s on. It’s not rolling unless you say something mean to me!” (Don’t worry—Rich was nothing but respectful.)

Lieutenant Phil Tucker is no rookie. With over 10 years full-time in the Delavan PD and 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force’s Security Forces, he brings a wealth of experience, calm leadership, and commitment to the community.

Fun twist? Rich and Phil used to work the beat together! Rich served on the Delavan Police Department from 2003 to 2024, finishing his last five years as a reserve officer before transitioning to the team at Kunes.

This Kunes Car Convo was packed with knowledge, laughter, and serious insight into the role traffic laws play in keeping our roads safe. Huge thanks to Lieutenant Tucker and the Delavan Police Department for their service and time.