Editor,
Recall the last time you were driving and you were stopped by the police. How did you feel? Were you excited to meet a new friend? Were you looking forward to a pleasant conversation? Were you calm and relaxed, confident that all was well?
Likely not. Most people can feel their blood pressure rise. They can feel their heartbeat quicken. There is often some apprehension. We worry we might be searched. If you are a person of color, you might fear for your life.
Police have told us they feel traffic stops are a good way to get to know the people they serve, to build community. In particular, it may be a highlight of their day not to arrest someone but instead give a driver a polite warning. What a contrast!
Legislators and advocacy organizations are working this winter to pass legislation called Traffic Safety for All to reduce low-level traffic stops. We all know police agencies such as the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office are short staffed. Let’s be more strategic in how valuable time is used and, at the same time, increase road safety and equity.
Currently many stops are for minor maintenance issues that do not cause traffic accidents or need immediate attention.
These may include a broken tail light, an object hanging from a rearview mirror or recently expired license tabs. The legislation we are proposing would eliminate these issues from actual stops. Officers can note license plates and have warnings sent to drivers. The bill also provides vouchers in these cases for low-income drivers, who are unable to afford needed fixes.
We also know officers may ask to search a car. If this bill passes, the officer must secure your agreement for a search. You will have the option to decline.
The proposed legislation has many benefits. For one, more time will be available for law enforcement officers to focus on serious offenses that are likely to cause harm, such as speeding drivers and erratic drivers, people who run red lights and intoxicated drivers. There is more opportunity for equity in enforcement. Research has shown significant inequities in stops
based on perceived race. Most importantly, we know that traffic stops sometimes go awry and result in overuse of force, even, at times, the death of the driver. Enactment of this bill would help save lives!
This legislative effort is valuable to making our roads safer and ensuring traffic enforcement does not come at the cost of community trust — or worse, lives. Many organizations have expressed support of this bill. Add your voice! Contact your state legislators — use leg.wa.gov. Explain your support for the Traffic Safety for All bill and help bring about safer, more equitable traffic enforcement for our entire community.
Rheta Rubenstein
Ridgefield
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