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Traffic stops often dangerous, deadly

BY STEVE RITEA | steve.ritea@newsday.com

6:50 PM EDT, May 19, 2008

Traffic stops may be the most routine actions for police officers, but they are also among the most dangerous and deadly duties, experts said following an accident that left a Nassau County officer in critical condition when his cruiser was hit by an alleged drunken driver.

"There's no question one of the most dangerous things that officers do on a routine basis are vehicle traffic stops, whether for DWIs or your basic violation," said Nassau Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Smith. "You make yourself very vulnerable."

Awareness of the issue is taking hold nationwide. The American Automobile Association said 41 states have already adopted "move over" laws that require drivers to keep a safe distance from emergency vehicles parked on roadsides.

New York could soon become the 42nd. A bill by Sen. John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse) would require drivers who see flashing lights on the side of a highway to move one lane over from the lane adjacent to the shoulder when possible or face fines of up to $400.

DeFrancisco's bill has been approved by the Senate and is pending in the Assembly's transportation committee.

"Police departments are taking more and more notice of the fact that officers out there are exposed," agreed Jim Pasco, executive director of the National Fraternal Order of Police, an officers' union based in Washington.

According to FBI statistics, 127 police officers were struck and killed accidentally by vehicles, either during traffic stops or directing traffic, between 1997 and 2006.

The only category with more casualties was for officers making arrests. The FBI reported 133 officers killed while arresting suspects in robberies, drug incidents and other situations in the same period.

During a news conference yesterday at Nassau University Medical Center, where Officer Kenneth Baribault is being treated, Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey said Baribault followed all departmental procedures when he was injured on Sunday.

"He pulled the black SUV off the roadway, well onto the shoulder, out of the travel portion of the roadway. His vehicle was likewise positioned behind that vehicle in a safe spot," Mulvey said.

Mulvey said it is recommended that officers wear a seat belt, even while sitting in a parked car. It was unclear whether Baribault was wearing his seat belt.

Suffolk Police declined to disclose their policy.

Staff writer Matthew Chayes contributed to this story.