Most people have experienced the "oh no" feeling after seeing a police car in the rear view mirror. Most people hit their brakes, even if they were not speeding.Personal physical reactions and experiences can influence perceptions of traffic enforcement efforts, and often prevent people from realizing its true benefits.
Traffic enforcement is the most recognizable and universal police function. Marked police cars are easy to see and most Americans have been stopped for a traffic violation.Because of the punitive consequences attached to traffic enforcement, many do not have an appreciation for the positive benefits.
Additionally, "myths" can result from misconceptions about the goals and motivations of traffic enforcement.
Myths and FactsWe need to dispel the myths and know the facts.
MYTH All police officers enforce traffic laws.
FACT Because traffic enforcement is so visible, the public perceives that there are a large number of officers enforcing traffic laws.Some agencies have a few officers dedicated to traffic enforcement. However, in most agencies, traffic enforcement is one of many responsibilities most officers perform.
MYTH Traffic officers just write speeding tickets.
FACTSpeeding is a serious offense when you examine the facts:Contributing Factors to Fatal CrashesOperating vehiclein erratic, reckless,careless, ornegligent mannerSource: Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of TransportationFACTSpeeding is one of the most common offenses committed by the aggressive driver.Contributing Factors to Fatal CrashesDriving too fast forconditions or in excess ofposted speed limitsSource: Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of TransportationFACTTraffic officers remove impaired drivers from the road.Alcohol-Related Fatal and Injury Crashes41% Alcohol-related:15,386 of 37,221fatal crashes9% Alcohol-related:195,000 of 2,166,000injury crashesSource:Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of Transportation
FACT Traffic officers enforce occupant protection laws.Fatalities and Injuries: Occupant Protection UsageOccupants wearingsafety belts:2,357,000 of3,112,000 injuriesOccupants not wearingsafety belts: 19,099 of31,897 fatalitiesSource: Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of Transportation
MYTH Traffic problems are not that big of a deal.
FACT The average American is more likely to be involved in a traffic crash than be a victim of a crime.
Sources:Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of Transportation,Crime in the United States, U.S. Department of Justice
MYTH If I am injured in a traffic crash, it affects only me.
FACT Everyone pays for traffic crashes and the economic costs are significantly more than crime.In 1995, crashes cost Americans $150 billion. In 1993, personal and property crimes cost Americans $19 million(Source: The Economic Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes 1994, U.S. Department of Transportation, Criminal Victimization in the United States 1993, U.S. Department of Justice).
MYTH Police officers should be arresting criminals, not writing traffic tickets.
FACT Traffic enforcement regularly identifies criminals and results in their apprehension.
A license plate violation resulted in the apprehension of the suspect in the Oklahoma City federal building bombing.
During 1994, traffic enforcement stops in Grand Prairie, Texas accounted for 66 percent of all warrant arrests and 50 percent of the arrests made for non-traffic related offenses.
In Peoria, Illinois, during 1994 and 1995, an increase in traffic enforcement contributed to a six percent decrease in violent crimes and a 12 percent decrease in crashes.
FACT Drugs, weapons, contraband, fugitives, and illegal aliens are frequently found in vehicles during “routine” traffic stops.
During a traffic stop, a Glendale, Arizona officer recovered a stolen vehicle, which led to the location and identification of shops where parts from stolen vehicles were being sold.
During 1995, through traffic enforcement efforts, the STOP program in San Francisco resulted in 120 felony drug arrests, 84 loaded weapons confiscated, 65 recovered stolen vehicles, 128 other felony arrests, and 153 felony warrants issued.
In October 1996, two suspects wanted in Ohio for a motel robbery and kidnapping of a motel clerk were apprehended by an Indiana State Trooper after stopping the suspect vehicle for speeding.
In November 1995, an Albany, New York, police officer stopped a vehicle without a front license plate. The vehicle was stolen and the driver was wanted in connection with a New York City homicide.
In July 1996, during a routine traffic stop, a Lincoln, Massachusetts, police officer found a shotgun in the vehicle. The shell casings matched those found at the scene of a double homicide. Both occupants were arrested and charged in connection with the murders.
Support Traffic EnforcementWhen you see a car pulled over, remember that the law enforcement officer may be doing more than writing a traffic citation. The officer may be apprehending a felon, child molester, or a murderer, or removing weapons and drugs from your community.
Traffic enforcement can and does contribute to the quality of life in your communityThe Police Note Book
University of Oklahoma Police Department
