Do you remember when you took your Road Signs and Road Rules test for your Learner’s Permit?
Take a moment to think back on those road rules. If your memory hasn’t failed you, you might remember questions such as, where does the licensed driver riding with a permit holder need to ride in the vehicle or what should you do when approaching an intersection for a left turn?
While those are necessary rules to know when trying to get behind the wheel, do you know the rules of the road during a traffic stop? No? Well, let us walk through how to get home safely and a few mobile applications you can use to protect yourself on the road.
Remember these helpful tips/rules when pulled over while driving to help ensure a safe ride home:
- Always remain calm.
- Listen to what the officer is saying before responding.
- Control your anger and fear.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Always have your driver’s license with you and in location that is easily accessible.
- If you need to reach for your identification, inform the officer before you start reaching for the identification.
- Sign the citation. Signing the citation is required; it is not an admission of guilt.
- If you are feeling uncomfortable with the interaction with the officer, request a supervisor.
- Be polite and respectful, don’t argue.
- If asked to get out of the car, don’t run and don’t fight or resist.
- You do not have to answer questions; however, you may be detained longer if the officer suspects that you are involved in criminal activity.
Smartphone Apps to download
Over the past couple of years, citizens have created apps to combat officer misconduct during police encounters. These apps have been able to bring peace of mind to citizens by providing useful information and notifications and documenting police interactions. These apps are additional tools that can increase safety; however, citizens should be careful when trying to use their smartphones during an interaction, especially after an officer has indicated to them not to move or show their hands.
Below are links to a few apps that you may want to consider researching.
- Just US – A Los Angeles-based clinical psychotherapist created and launched the smartphone app “JUST US” in August 2020. The app has three features: check-in, heads-up and help that can be activated with a simple voice command in a variety of scenarios.
- Police Encounter App— This Will help civilians find peaceful solutions to negative police encounters. It will also inform civilians of their legal rights when it comes to law enforcement.
- Mobile Justice app – The ACLU’s mobile app is available on both Android and iOS, allows users to record law enforcement, alerts other Mobile Justice app users to nearby law enforcement encounters, and submit videos and incident reports automatically to your local American Civil Liberties Union chapter.
Remember that your goal is to get home safely. Safety begins with the preparation before the drive by thinking through how you will respond during a potential stop. If you feel that your rights have been violated, you have the right to file a formal complaint with your local civilian oversight agency and police jurisdiction. Never try to argue or fight your case at the scene.
If you have a complaint against an Atlanta Police Department or Correctional Department Officers, contact the Atlanta Citizen Review Board via telephone at (404)-865-8622 or file a complaint online at https://acrbgov.org/file-a-complaint/.
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