Submitted by: Highway Safety Committee

HSC.11.t2018

WHEREAS, vehicle crashes are a leading cause of deaths, injuries, property damage and related costs to communities and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, a comprehensive traffic safety program has been proven to decrease vehicle crashes of all types, including vulnerable roadway users such as bicyclists and pedestrians, and also provides ancillary benefits to law enforcement and public safety; and

WHEREAS, high-visibility traffic enforcement is a key component of a comprehensive traffic safety program and enforcement must be conducted in compliance with legislation; and

WHEREAS, at times, and often in reaction to an incident, legislation is proposed that is unclear, unenforceable and/or would result in discouraging, impeding and/or creating confusion as to the intent of a particular law or laws; and

WHEREAS, such a scenario would have the potential to severely decrease traffic enforcement efforts which in turn would potentially increase crashes and thus endanger all roadway users. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the IACP strongly urges elected officials to work in concert with law enforcement officials prior to enacting traffic-related legislation (both new and amendments to existing laws) so that the intent of the legislation is clear, that it is enforceable and that it does not discourage and/or impede law enforcement personnel from conducting traffic enforcement efforts.