Which Should a Police Officer Pull Over: Speeders or Lane Swervers?

As a seasoned police officer, I've encountered numerous challenging situations on the road. One of the most critical decisions lies in choosing between pulling over a speeder or someone swerving between lanes. In my experience, both behaviors can pose significant risks, but speeding often receives more attention in policy and public discourse. However, in reality, the driver swerving is often the greater threat to other road users. This article delves into the complexities of such decisions and offers insights into the priority that should be given to swerving drivers.

Speeding vs. Swerving: A Comparison

Many would argue that speeding is the more flagrant violation, but in my experience, not all who speed are actually breaking laws concerning speed limits. In fact, the idea that drunk drivers tend to drive slower is quite common. However, I can attest that drunk drivers are notorious for other behaviors like swerving, making them a more immediate threat to safety. This notion is often rooted more in the assumptions made by those who have not worked as police officers on the streets.

Factors in the Decision-Making Process

The choice between a speeder and a swerver is not always clear-cut. Several variables come into play, such as traffic volume, time of day, weather conditions, and the location of the incident. For example, deciding whether to intervene on an open highway or in a city street can significantly impact the decision. Similarly, the current weather conditions can affect the judgment, with rain, fog, or snow altering the dynamic of the situation.

The Perils of Swerving

Swerving between lanes is exponentially more dangerous than speeding. Speeding, while illegal, is often a case of exceeding a set limit. But swerving can lead to collisions with other vehicles, creating a dangerous environment for everyone involved. In my experience, swerving drivers are harder to predict and control, making them a more significant threat to public safety. For instance, a drunk driver might be swerving but maintaining the posted speed limit, while the swerver might be significantly deviating from the norm. In such scenarios, the swerver is almost always pulled over because of the higher risk they pose.

Real-World Examples and Scenarios

A prime example of such a situation involves a drunk driver who may be swerving but not necessarily speeding. These drivers are a serious concern, as they can cause accidents and endanger others. Another example is a driver experiencing a medical emergency, such as a heart attack. In these instances, swerving can be a symptom of a more serious problem that needs immediate attention. Therefore, in these cases, the police officer will prioritize pulling over the swerver over the speeder. For instance, in a situation where a driver experiences a heart attack while driving, swerving could be a critical sign of the driver's condition and a potential life-threatening scenario.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when faced with the choice between a speeder and a swerver, a police officer must prioritize swerving behavior. While speeding can be legally categorized and addressed, swerving poses an immediate and tangible threat to other road users. Although both behaviors are illegal and dangerous, the swever should be given priority in such decisions. Ensuring the safety of the public remains a top priority for any law enforcement officer.