I have a long commute, am not a big fan of speed limits, and drive through several small towns every day that seem to get a lot of their revenue from tickets. So basically I get to speak with the friendly local police and/or highway patrol on the side of the road a lot more often than I would like. Most recently, this morning actually.
I can remember five times being pulled over with a pistol, and per SC law, have notified the officer. Four times it has been a complete non-issue as it should be. During the "exception" stop, the officer was nice and "professional", but took possession of the gun, unloaded it behind my back, and ran the s/n through some database to see if it was stolen I assume, which I consider an unconstitutional search, and a potentially dangerous situation especially if the officer is not familiar with the gun in question. If I did not have to inform I would not. It makes no one "safer", and only invites unneccessary things of all sorts.
In the times I've been pulled over without a pistol, I've NEVER been asked if I am armed.
I know to some extent it depends on the individual cop, and maybe the general culture in the area, but if I was constantly being asked by the local constabulary if I was armed I would evaluate what sort of "vibes" I am projecting to those around me.
Also, a seatbelt saved me serious injury or worse when I was 16 y/o in a wreck... I'd take one over a gun if the choice was either/or, 100% of the time.