Most drivers will experience being pulled over in a traffic stop at least once in their lifetime, according to statistics. Even those who never have been are familiar with the line, “Do you know why I’m pulling you over?”
A new bill introduced in one state aims to do away with the practice of asking this question and there’s one really good reason for this: safety.
One state wants to prohibit traffic officers from asking too many questions
Conducting a traffic stop is one of the most dangerous duties that a peace officer patrolling the roads can perform. There are different reasons for this, including being accosted by an occupant of a vehicle or struck by another by accident on the side of the road. Unfortunately, even one death or injury is one too many, and lawmakers are considering a bill intended to protect officers who have to pull cars over on the roadside.
The state that’s currently taking the proposed bill under consideration is Colorado. The reason behind the bill is that it takes officers extra time to ask, “Do you know why I’m pulling you over?” And then, it takes more time for the driver to answer. Often, a conversation ensues.
Traffic stops are dangerous for peace officers
All the while, officers are standing exposed alongside the roadway, and the more time this takes, the higher the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle. It’s estimated that more than 200 traffic or peace officers were killed during traffic stops or while assisting motorists in the United States between 2012 and 2022.
Although officers are aware of the hazards and aim to park in the safest spots during traffic stops, accidents still happen. One of the ways to reduce them is simply to shorten the time it takes. Hence, doing away with asking motorists if they know why they’re being stopped and entering into a discussion.
Instead, officers will be directed to simply inform the driver of their violation and wrap up the process as quickly as possible.
Regional director of public affairs for the American Automobile Association (AAA), Skyler McKinley, said this measure could make all the difference:
“Law enforcement, drivers, folks like tow drivers would tell you the difference between losing your life at the roadside and the difference between a near miss is milliseconds. Sometimes it’s fractions of a millisecond. The more we can do to streamline these transactions at the roadside, the better.”
There are few, if any, oppositions to the bill, unlike the discussion around a contentious new licensing policy in Colorado that affects a vast number of people whose first language is not English.
The Colorado legislature has a decision to make
The legislature needs to consider the merits of Bill HB25-1243 of the Colorado General Assembly, at the heart of which is a concern for officers’ safety. But drivers’ rights are also a factor.
Senator Faith Winter, a Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted an aspect of the law that not all drivers are aware of:
“Many of my constituents don’t know that when you get pulled over, you don’t have to answer the question of, ‘Do you know why I pulled you over?’”
Winter said the bill will add transparency to law enforcement traffic stops:
“All we’re asking for is transparency and I think especially right now it’s really important that the community builds trust with our peace officers. I think this is one easy step to do that.”
What does the proposed Colorado bill state?
This is an extract from the traffic stop bill:
“The bill prohibits a peace officer from asking a driver or passenger if they know the reason for the traffic stop, and requires the peace officer to inform the driver of the reason for the traffic stop unless it is
unreasonable under the totality of the circumstances.”
The bill also states that should it be passed, a peace officer’s failure to comply is not grounds for exclusion of evidence or dismissal of a charge. This relates to people who violate the law and may attempt to avoid penalties based on the officer’s non-compliance.
So far, there are no critics who strongly oppose the passing of Colorado Bill HB25-1243, likely because it’s clear that officer safety is the priority and no one will come to any detriment in the process. Another positive move in terms of streamlining traffic processes is the recent introduction of an Apple iPhone feature in several states that allows drivers to present their licenses digitally and have them accepted.