In 2023, the United States witnessed an estimated 40,990 traffic fatalities.1 This alarmingly high figure doesn’t even come close to the global scale of roadway fatalities. This staggering number underscores a critical public safety issue that extends far beyond any one country’s borders. To put this into perspective, the number of murders, including nonnegligent manslaughter, in the United States during the same time period, was estimated at 21,156.2 What would be the reaction in our communities if we experienced a 97 percent increase in homicides? We lose almost double the number of people to traffic crashes as we do to murder.
Law enforcement leaders, because of staffing difficulties and budget reductions, have had to reassign officers from traffic enforcement to address other crimes. It seems that dangerous driving has become acceptable. One can look at advertising by car manufacturers that encourages reckless behavior as one possible reason—television ads often show vehicles speeding and trucks bouncing through construction sites or along mountain roads.
While our commitment to combating violent crime remains unwavering, it is imperative that we also elevate the discourse on roadway safety.
The IACP has been at the forefront of addressing roadway safety through various initiatives. Our collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has produced several valuable resources such as the Safer Roads, Stronger Communities e-publication and the Safe, Quick Clearance of Traffic Incidents Toolkit.3 These tools are designed to equip law enforcement agencies with the knowledge and strategies needed to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries. We also continue to promote roadway safety globally through the launch of the IACP International Road Policing Alliance (IRPA) and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) project.
One of the most pressing traffic safety issues society faces is impaired driving, particularly drivers impaired by drugs and alcohol. In 2022, alcohol-impaired driving alone claimed 13,524 lives in the United States.4 The effects of drug use on driving are equally concerning. A study titled, “Brain Function Outcomes of Recent and Lifetime Cannabis Use,” by Joshua L. Gowin and colleagues, highlights the detrimental impact of cannabis on brain function, particularly in tasks requiring working memory.5 This impairment poses a significant risk to roadway safety, as it affects a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and react appropriately to road conditions. The IACP’s Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety Conference continues to grow, drawing more than 1,300 attendees in 2024, highlighting the widespread and ongoing concern about this issue and the need to work toward collaborative solutions in order to save lives and keep our roadways safe.
Traffic stops are one of the few routine activities that allow police officers to engage directly with the public.
Despite these alarming statistics we see relative to traffic fatalities and impaired driving, there is a growing narrative advocating for the reduction or elimination of what are called “low-level” traffic stops. This perspective often stems from high-profile incidents where police shootings are linked to the initial reason for the traffic stop. However, it is crucial for the public to understand that police officers do not initiate stops for minor infractions with the intent to escalate to violence. More often than not, other factors contribute to these stops.
Traffic stops are one of the few routine activities that allow police officers to engage directly with the public. More often than not, a traffic stop is the first, and possibly the only, direct interaction the driving public has with a police officer. This encounter is likely to shape the driver’s opinion of police for many years to come. Each stop is an opportunity to enforce the law ethically and purposefully while building trust within the community. These traffic stops are also an opportunity to explain the possible consequences of the violation and educate drivers on the importance of safe driving practices to keep them and others safe.
Like many of you, I have received countless commendations from community members who appreciated the professionalism and courtesy shown by officers during these interactions. By approaching every traffic stop as a chance to foster positive relationships, we can enhance trust across diverse communities. After all, everyone uses the road in some capacity, and these roads connect us all.
In conclusion, we must prioritize roadway safety. The IACP remains committed to providing the resources and support necessary to reduce traffic fatalities and improve public safety. Together, through education, enforcement, and community engagement, we can make our roads safer for everyone.d
Notes:
1National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “NHTSA Launches Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign; Releases 2023 Fatality Early Estimates,” news release, April 1, 2024.
2FBI, “FBI Releases 2023 Crime in the Nation Statistics,” press release, September 23, 2024.
3IACP, “IACP Traffic Safety Initiatives.”
4NHTSA, “Drunk Driving.”
5Joshua L. Gowen et al., “Brain Function Outcomes of Recent and Lifetime Cannabis Use,” JAMA Network Open 8, no. 1 (2025): e2457069.
Please cite as:
Ken A. Walker, “Roadway Safety—A Global Imperative,” President’s Message, Police Chief 92, no. 3 (March 2025): 6–7.
