What to do when pulled over: A new chapter for driver’s ed?

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Lawmakers in several states want to require driver’s education courses to teach motorists about proper traffic-stop behavior. | Sun-Times file photo

RALEIGH, N.C. — Deadly encounters between police officers and motorists have lawmakers across the country thinking driver’s education should require students to be taught what to do in a traffic stop.

A North Carolina bill would require instructors to describe “appropriate interactions with law enforcement officers.” Illinois passed a similar law recently, and another awaits the Virginia governor’s signature. Mississippi, New Jersey and Rhode Island also are considering them.

Many lawmakers want to make police interactions more transparent and improve community relations, in particular with people who feel unjustly targeted or mistreated because of their skin color.

Most don’t pretend to legislate exactly how drivers should react, leaving the details to be worked out by state law enforcement or education and driver’s license agencies. The 2017 “Rules of the Road” for Illinois, published in February, could provide a model, making detailed “suggestions” about proper driver behavior.

“The goal here is to reduce what could be a tense situation that can be very stressful on both sides,” said Dave Druker, with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, which oversees licensing 2.2 million new and veteran drivers annually.

The overall message? Use “a common-sense approach” and don’t be confrontational, Druker said.

Robert Dawkins, state organizer of the police accountability group SAFE Coalition NC, said even drivers who have been taught to show “all kinds of respect” could be vulnerable if an officer sees their hands move from the steering wheel: “I make a quick movement, that that quick movement can result in me losing my life,” he said.

Law enforcement officers worry about exactly the same situation: When motorists reach under their seats to get a driver’s license, officers have to consider whether they’re reaching for a gun, said Eddie Caldwell, executive director of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association, whose organization has strongly endorsed the North Carolina legislation.

The Illinois guidelines, now included in expanded form in driver licensing materials, encourage drivers to avoid this situation by keeping both hands clearly in sight on the steering wheel “until the officer instructs them otherwise.”

The American Civil Liberties Union’s online “know your rights if you’re stopped in your car” guidelines include several more suggestions: It says drivers should turn off the engine, turn on the internal lights and open the window partway before placing their hands on the wheel, presumably to reduce the need for any risky movements.

The ACLU also says drivers can refuse a search request, but that officers don’t need consent if they believe the car contains evidence of a crime. And it notes that both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. Passengers can ask if they’re free to go; “If yes, silently leave,” it says.

Allen Robinson, chief executive officer of the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, which creates curricula in 35 states, said these mandates won’t prevent all problems, but they should help teenagers avoid bad decisions.

“Anything that keeps the rancor and stupidness from going on inside of a car when there is a minor traffic violation, we’re all for,” Robinson said.

Andre Peterson, 35, a black father of two daughters, said he thinks it can help young people know what’s expected of them.

“Compliance is a big issue between police and the people-of-color community,” Peterson said while attending a civil rights rally in Raleigh. “If you show respect, you’ll get it back in return.”

How to act when stopped by police? Illinois has some tips

Lawmakers in several states want to require driver’s education courses to teach motorists about proper traffic-stop behavior. Most bills don’t legislate what that behavior should be, but Illinois’ 2017 “Rules of the Road” handbook published last month offers some do’s and don’ts:

• slow down and safely pull over to the right-hand shoulder or nearest safe location.

• keep both hands clearly in sight on the steering wheel until the police officer instructs otherwise.

• be prepared for an officer to approach your vehicle from either side.

• do not exit your vehicle until asked to do so, since getting out may be viewed as aggressive behavior.

• when asked for your driver’s license and proof of insurance, say where they are, then follow the officer’s instructions.

• don’t debate with the officer about the reason for the stop or a ticket. There will be time in court to defend yourself.

• don’t be uncooperative, and don’t resist if taken into custody.

• expect the officer to treat you with dignity and respect. Report any inappropriate behavior to the officer’s superiors.

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