Traffic stops are important, just as no drinking and driving is important. I’ve watched many DUI traffic stop videos on YouTube and I’ve learned so much about the dangers of unstable drivers. Unfortunately, it’s extremely common for people to have “a few drinks” and then drive and not get detected by law enforcement. However, the people who do get caught are usually the ones who are driving too slow, swerving in traffic, driving down the wrong way or the sidewalk, or worse, crashing into an obstruction or striking a pedestrian. Those drivers are a major part of the issue we have on the road today. Not to be mistaken, drinking and driving should remain prohibited to prevent anyone from harming themselves and others.
I believe an experienced officer can conduct a traffic stop without creating chaos. With police brutality being a concern, many people feel unsafe when they are stopped and approached by an officer with his hand on his holster. However, an officer could be in possible danger due to not knowing what the driver may have in their vehicle. The officer’s behavior will determine how a traffic stop can proceed with escalation. You’ll always get people who may feel entitled or become upset from being pulled over, but a professional cop can de-escalate the situation and write a citation if needed so both parties can go on with their day.
When dealing with DUI perpetrators officers have to be careful with their approach. The person could get loud and aggressive and feel victimized despite being aware of the crime they committed. They may not make it to conduct a sobriety test and will have to make an arrest.
Banning traffic stops will have its pros and cons, each infraction is circumstantial. Signs of reckless driving, like swerving, speeding through traffic, or blocking traffic, are good reasons to pull a driver over. I think the issue is most people find themselves being pulled over for petty reasons like, going a few miles above or below the speed limit, having a head or rear light out, or making an illegal turn. Even though those are serious penalties, having an officer pull you over to run background checks and possibly search your car, is a lot to deal with for minor mistakes.
I’m not sure if it’ll bring positive changes as of yet. We want safe roads but not at the cost of reducing the law. Drivers must be aware that they are being monitored and are expected to obey the rules of the road. It’s also important that we find ways to improve the way we police drivers, and enforce safe driving.
