Traffic Enforcement:
Myths and Facts   

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 Facts
We 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.

FACT
Speeding is a serious offense when you examine the facts:

Contributing Factors to Fatal Crashes
Driving too fast
for conditions or in
excess of posted speed limits
Source: Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of Transportation

FACT
Speeding is one of the most common offenses committed by the aggressive driver.

Contributing Factors to Fatal Crashes
Operating vehicle in
erratic, reckless, careless,
or negligent manner
Source: Traffic Safety Facts 1995, U.S. Department of Transportation

FACT
Traffic officers remove impaired drivers from the road. Alcohol-Related Fatal and Injury Crashes

Alcohol-Related Fatal and Injury Crashes
  • 41% Alcohol-related: 15,386 of 37,221 fatal crashes
  • 9% Alcohol-related: 195,000 of 2,166,000 injury crashes
    •

FACT
Traffic officers enforce occupant protection laws.

Fatalities and Injuries: Occupant Protection Usage
Occupants wearing
safety belts:
2,357,000 of 3,112,000 injuries
Occupants not wearing
safety belts: 19,099 of
31,897 fatalities

Source: 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.

  Crime/Crash Clock 1995
One murder every 24 minutes
One aggravated assault every 29 seconds
One violent crime every 18 seconds
One crime every 2 seconds
One property crime every 3 seconds
One fatality every 13 minutes
One injury every 9 seconds
One crash every 5 seconds
One property damage every 7 seconds
Source: 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 Enforcement
When 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 community.

     

  • Communities can realize the benefits of traffic enforcement and highway safety efforts;

     

  • Roads and neighborhoods will be safer;

     

  • Police agencies can effectively police their communities; and

     

  • Highway safety partners will recognize similar goals and develop cooperative efforts.