People of color (POC) are disproportionately stopped more often than white drivers during traffic stops, according to numerous studies.
In addition, they are more likely to have their cars searched and experience harsher treatment from police. Black drivers are roughly 20% more likely than white drivers to be stopped in relation to their percentage of the residential population, according to a 2020 Stanford Open Police Project study.
Advocates are working to have these road stops completely eliminated from police routines due to disparities in fair randomization, unless there is a blatant infraction committed by a driver that justifies the stop.
Traffic stops are being phased out in this city
The Houston Police Department in Texas has formally eliminated the requirement that all officers conduct at least one traffic stop during their shift in response to these issues.
The action was taken in response to both the traffic stop bias complaints and the City Council members’ admission that they were unaware the practice was still in place because the Council had never voted in favor of it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, when catalytic converter theft and fraudulent paper license tags were on the rise, Council members said the recommendation to pull over one driver per shift was made.
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However, the Council has since declared that officers are not required to engage in this activity. At the end of last month, the Houston City Council formally canceled Agenda Item #43.
States support efforts to make roads safer
One aspect of road safety that is often neglected is the removal of frequent traffic stops in order to make driving safer.
Even though many states have kept focusing on speeding and distracted driving, programs like the one in Houston show that road safety involves more than just driving safely; it also involves building trust with law enforcement.
However, speeding-related traffic accidents continue to be a top concern for traffic cops. Numerous states have launched various efforts to lower the overall number of traffic accidents and fatalities caused by speeding.
To keep the roads safe for all drivers and road users, these include increased fines, red-light cameras, automated road monitoring technology, speed limit modifications, and even speed-limiting devices installed in cars.
