The rant aside, this is an example of when something does not go according to desire, the compounding effect of ignoring the original issue nearly always amplifies or even dwarfs the original issue.

Surprise! Clearly people don’t GAS about driving over flares. They do the same thing to dogs, cats, raccoons, possums, deer, other people, motorcycles and you name it, every minute of every day. Take the hint.

Learn from the mistake - plan ahead and fill the tank.

As an aside, someone should report your policeman friend to the local Mayor’s office for misappropriating public funds by giving away police property.