Report: Federal Policies to Make Traffic Enforcement More Equitable

A report from the Center for American Progress, Vera Institute of Justice, and Color Of Change outlines recommendations for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that could reduce racial discrimination in traffic enforcement.

The four reforms are:

1. “Enhancing performance measurement and data collection pursuant to formula grants,” ensuring that traffic safety and enforcement data is public and available.
2. “Leveraging discretionary grants to support state and local innovation.”
3. “Bridging the research gap” to better understand the relationship between public safety, enforcement, and equity.
4. “Engaging directly affected communities and uplifting innovations to amplify successes.” This includes recognizing the harms already caused and including vulnerable communities in conversations about public safety.

According to the CAP, “Low-level traffic stops create fear in communities, which further erodes trust in the law enforcement. We believe these recommendations will provide the steps needed to achieve progress in both racial equity and road safety.”