As a general rule, if your sole interaction with the police is traffic enforcement (and it helps if you are white), then being courteous and honest is generally the most successful strategy. Anecdotally, aside from a few newsworthy examples, almost every traffic situation that escalates into a significant confrontation got that way because of unnecessary belligerence.

When "never talk to police" comes into play is when they are doing a criminal investigation. And even then, when to pull out the fifth amendment card depends on individual circumstances. It can definitely escalate an otherwise innocuous situation if you overuse it.

Also, try to remember that what makes the news is newsworthy for a reason.