Introduction:
In a recent comprehensive report by The New York Times, it was discovered that traffic enforcement has remained lax in many U.S. cities even after traffic stops declined during the pandemic and traffic volumes have since rebounded. This lax policing is believed to have a direct connection to the rise in road fatalities, highlighting a concerning trend that needs to be addressed.
Decline in Traffic Enforcement:
The report highlights a decline in traffic enforcement practices dating back to the late 1990s, with a significant drop observed in 2015 after the police shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration official Jeff Michael notes that while the decline predates Ferguson, the event undoubtedly had an impact on the enforcement landscape.
Impact on Traffic Stops:
Charts within the report show a decreasing number of traffic stops in many cities, with some police departments making fewer than half the stops they did before the pandemic. Traffic citations have also dropped significantly in cities like Seattle and New York, as well as in state agencies like the Texas Highway Patrol and Connecticut State Police.
Policy Changes and Responses:
Due to factors such as the pandemic, protests over policing practices, and short-staffing in police departments, some agencies have implemented policy changes to address the issue. For example, Los Angeles requires officers to record their reasoning for pretextual stops, while Philadelphia has limited stops for certain reasons like a broken taillight.
Interconnection with Road Safety:
Police actions in traffic enforcement are closely linked to road safety strategies in cities like Los Angeles, where car crashes have surpassed homicides as a leading cause of death. The report features interviews with individuals expressing concern for the safety of their loved ones on the road.
Conclusion:
The comprehensive report by The New York Times sheds light on the concerning trend of lax traffic enforcement in U.S. cities and its potential connection to the rise in road fatalities. Addressing this issue will require a concerted effort from law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public to prioritize road safety and reduce preventable accidents on our streets.