Law enforcement professionals across the United States agree that traffic stops are among the most dangerous situations that officers face on the job. There are a number of factors that contribute to the heightened risk of violence during traffic stops, and these dangers have significant implications for both law enforcement officers and the public they serve. As well, when officers feel threatened, this dramatically increases the likelihood of police use of force or use of deadly force. 

According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 3.4% of traffic stops in the United States result in a use of force by police. This use of force can range from physical force to the use of a weapon, and can result in injury or death to the suspect or officer.

It's also worth noting that the use of force during traffic stops can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the jurisdiction, the officer's training and experience, the race/ethnicity of the driver, and the circumstances surrounding the stop.

Why are traffic stops so dangerous for police officers?

Traffic stops are unpredictable. Officers never know what to expect when they pull over a vehicle, and they must remain vigilant at all times to ensure their safety. Traffic stops are  typically conducted in close proximity to moving vehicles, which increases the risk of injury or death from a collision. Additionally, traffic stops may involve individuals who are agitated, angry, or otherwise resistant to police authority, which can escalate into violent confrontations.

The presence of firearms is a complicating factor that increases the risk of lethal force being used against officers. Traffic stops also take place in a wide variety of locations, which means that officers are often alone and isolated and far from backup if an incident occurs. 

How do these dangers impact the public?

The dangers of traffic stops also have significant implications for the public. When officers feel threatened or unsafe, they may be more likely to use force, including deadly force, to subdue suspects. This can lead to serious injury or death, especially when officers perceive a threat that may not actually exist. The presence of legally owned firearms have lead to unfortunate misunderstanding by law enforcement officers as can be seen during a police encounter with Philando Castile. Castile informed the officer that he was legally carrying a firearm; and subsequently when asked to provide a driver's license, Castile reached for his wallet to retrieve his identification. The officer, Jeronimo Yanez, interpreted Castile's movements as a threat and opened fire, striking Castile multiple times.

People often feel unsafe during traffic stops for a variety of reasons. When this is the case, those who are stopped may hesitate to cooperate with law enforcement, which can make it more difficult for officers to do their jobs effectively and lead to police escalation.

What can be done to mitigate these risks?

There are several strategies that can be used to mitigate the risks associated with traffic stops. One strategy is to provide officers with more training on de-escalation techniques and other nonviolent methods of resolving conflicts. This can help officers defuse potentially volatile situations before they become violent.

Another strategy is to increase the use of technology during traffic stops. One example is the use of license plate readers to automatically identify and flag vehicles that are associated with criminal activity, which is critical information to help officers identify potential threats before they approach a vehicle.

Finally, some departments have implemented community policing strategies, which involve building relationships with community members to promote trust and understanding. When officers have a strong relationship with the community, they may be less likely to feel threatened, and may encounter less resistance or violence during traffic stops.

Traffic stops will continue to be the most dangerous situations that police officers face on the job, and these dangers have significant implications for both officers and the public they serve. However, by implementing effective training, technology, and community policing strategies, departments can mitigate these risks and improve the safety and wellbeing of both officers and the public.