Should I appeal this ticket?

[eastsideman09]

I was pulled over for "following too closely" a speeding driver. The other guy was clocked in at going 76 in a 65, while my speed was not recorded. The officer managed to pull us both over... When he came to my window, he did not ask for my registration or proof of insurance, just my license. On my ticket, the only part that is correct on the vehicle description is the color and state... Year, make, style, LP number and expiration date are all wrong, and he did sign the ticket.

As far as the situation goes, I was at a reasonable distance from the car in front of me traveling at a reasonable speed for the left lane, no higher than 72. An upcoming merger was on the left, and I was surrounded by traffic, at least one behind me, and a few in the other lane. There was more than enough distance for the asshole to wait and merge after me and the other guy instead of cutting in front of me. At this point, obviously I'm following too closely, but not at my doing. There really was not a whole lot I could do.

I understand it's my word against the officers... He was kind of an asshole, starkly commenting that I was lucky I wasn't getting two tickets. I have to pay for classes for next semester within the next week, and I really need some money for some of my final projects. I'm eligible for a drivers course, but reduced charges on, or dismissal of, a bull**** ticket, in my opinion, is preferable to paying more for the ticket and paying again for a drivers course. I have one ticket on record, and this is a minor one, not resulting in suspension at all, and my dad pays my insurance if it raises.

I'm really wanting to appeal, but as inconvenient as paying the ticket would be, it would be an assurance of no points, but it would further exempt me from the drivers class for anywhere between 6 months to a year in the event a "real" infraction occurs...