The Truth About Police Lights and Speeding: A Terrible Practice Safeguarded by Safety

Have you ever seen a police officer use their lights and siren to get through traffic, even in the absence of an emergency? I have, and it's a practice that, while it's tempting to believe might sometimes lead to a quick donut or a late-night run for fresh coffee, is actually illegal and incredibly risky.

What You Often Assume Is Not What You See

One might think that a police officer turning on their siren and lights just to navigate through traffic and red lights is a harmless maneuver. It may seem like a common practice since I have observed it occur multiple times, even through three consecutive intersections.

However, behind the scenes, it's a whole different story. While using lights and sirens without an emergency can be tempting, it's far more dangerous than it appears. For instance, not long ago, a colleague of mine demonstrated this practice multiple times until he realized the legal and safety implications. After turning off the lights, he proceeded at a normal speed.

It turns out that such behavior is actually illegal and puts everyone at risk. For instance, I once heard an ambulance driver share his experience of how running red lights and sirens without a legitimate emergency could result in the loss of his ambulancedriver's license.

The Dangers Involved

There are numerous reasons why officers should avoid this practice. Primarily, it is a significant safety issue. Consider the following:

Officers can get fined if caught operating with lights and sirens without a valid reason. If a crash occurs, they can be charged with traffic offenses and face personal liability. The department will likely sue the officer, and if the officer loses, personal assets such as bank accounts, insurance, and equity in their home can be at risk.

Therefore, the risks involved are substantial, and law enforcement departments emphasize these risks strongly.

What Exactly Is Not Common?

Although it might seem like a common practice, using lights and sirens just to get through traffic is not a common occurrence. It is a very stupid thing to do, and it is extremely dangerous and risky. Naturally, the department actively discourages this behavior, as it can lead to severe consequences for the officer and possibly endanger the public.

In all the years I have worked, I have never used my lights to navigate through regular traffic. Though there have been times when the urge to do so has been overwhelming, the potential penalties, such as suspension without pay, make it a risky endeavor. I have also heard from a few colleagues who have engaged in this behavior, but it remains a rare occurrence.

Why Officers Follow the Rules

One of the most dangerous times for a police officer is when they are driving with their lights and sirens on. Proper use of emergency equipment is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring public safety.

It is worth noting that there may be instances where you see a police car turn on its lights and siren, and then shortly after, turn them off again. This is often not to rush through traffic but to signify the end of the emergency situation.

Sometimes, cops are simply dealing with bad traffic conditions, and the police force wants to avoid giving a false sense of urgency. As a police officer, they are getting paid to sit in traffic when absolutely necessary, which raises the question: What is the rush?

While it is uncommon, some officers might rush through traffic without using their lights and sirens. However, the risks involved far outweigh the potential benefits. It is a practice that is both illegal and highly irresponsible, and it should be discouraged at every turn to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Conclusion: The use of police lights and sirens should be reserved for emergencies only. While it might be tempting to use these tools for personal convenience, the potential consequences can be severe. The safety of everyone on the road is paramount, and officers are encouraged to prioritize it in all situations.