Driver’s Ed Could Soon Include What To Do In Traffic Stop

Charlotte, NC — A bill that would add police traffic stops to driver’s education courses in North Carolina is a signature away from becoming law.

Charlotte parents hope it will stop officer-involved shootings.

Charles Robinson works with anti-violence advocate group, Team TruBlue. He says police traffic stops are a great fear among Charlotte’s African American parents.

“Black parents fear their children being killed,” said Robinson. “They fear the police officers assaulting and beating their children and children not making it home.”

He has worked with kids, teaching what to do when an officer pulls them over.

House Bill 21 is awaiting Governor Roy Cooper’s signature. It adds instructions on what to do during a traffic stop to drivers ed courses in public schools and to the state driver handbook.

“Kids being taught is important because some of our kids are living in fear. So, they’re panicking when they are getting pulled over because of everything they’re seeing in the news, everything they’re seeing in their communities,” said Robinson.

The State Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police will help develop the curriculum.

Police tell WCCB Charlotte what you always need to do when pulled over: turn your dome light on, keep your hands on the wheel, tell the officer where your license and registration are, ask if you can reach for them. Also, tell the officer if you have a weapon. Obey orders from there.

We asked the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police President Randy Hagler if teaching this could curb officer involved shootings.

“Possibly,” said Hagler. “It certainly can’t hurt anything. I think every small thing that we do and the legislature does to help make it safer for citizens and officers alike is going to help. I don’t think this is huge, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Robinson argues another law needs to hold officers accountable when drivers follow the rules and get shot.

“We cannot keep accepting someone is fearing for their life,” said Robinson. “If you’re coming in here, and you’re living in fear, this isn’t the job for you.”

The governor will likely sign off on this bill before August 3.

“We are telling our kids, ‘Listen, when you get pulled over, pull into a lit area, put your hands on the steering wheel, and if you’re in fear, ask them to call your parent or ask them to call their sergeant,” said Robinson.

Police say if a driver feels they aren’t being pulled over in a safe location, they can put their hazard lights on and travel as normal to the next safe area. They can also dial 911 to let a dispatcher know and ask if it is a real officer. Officers also say you can always dispute a citation in court, not during the traffic stop.