Understanding what is expected from both citizens and law enforcement improves communication, helps to reduce anxieties, and improves the public's understanding about the need for traffic law enforcement. 

Some things to remember: 

An average of three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point 
in their lives. 

The driving behaviors associated with aggressive driving -- speeding, red light running, following too closely, and others -- cause hundreds of crash-related deaths and thousands of injuries each year. 

Lap/shoulder safety belts, when used correctly, significantly reduce the risk of crash-related 
fatalities and injuries. 

Traffic stops often result in the identification of criminals who are suspected in other crimes. To effectively address these public health and safety issues, law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Takoma Park Police Department, enforce traffic laws. Traffic law enforcement is a time proven method of: 

-increasing pedestrian safety, seat belt, child safety seat, and helmet use 

-reducing the incidence of impaired and aggressive driving 

-increasing the apprehension of dangerous criminals. 

If you are a motorist, here are some ways to improve your traffic stop experience: 

- Invoke the "Golden Rule" and treat the officer the way you would like to be treated. 

-Remember that you are required to cooperate with all reasonable requests that law enforcement personnel make. 

-If an officer signals for you to stop, remain calm and pull over safely. 

-Be prepared to produce your driver's license, as well as your vehicle registration card.

-Remain in the vehicle unless the officer tells you otherwise. 

-Keep your hands visible. 

-If you are stopped by a non-uniformed officer in an unmarked vehicle, you can ask the officer for identification.