The FBI has attempted to collect accurate stats about police high speed chase but the research is sketchy. It’s believed that pursuits result in about 400 deaths each year and going up. One organization estimates that about 2,500 persons die each year as a result of police pursuits and that another 55,000 are injured.
Chasing dangerous criminals through busy city streets and down highways is a reality of police work. Getting caught in the middle of one of those pursuits, and making a wrong decision, can throw you directly in a path of danger. Too many times, uninvolved drivers get tangled up in the chase.
Captain Michael Rackey from the Charles County Sheriff’s office in Maryland advises commuters to use common sense, and be aware of your surroundings when you’re driving, “know what’s going on to the right of you, the left of you, in front of you and behind you.”
One of the biggest issues for the police is distracted drivers who are talking on cell phones or have their radio blaring. Capt. Rackey says if you find yourself in a pursuit, don’t try to move out of the way, just stay right where you are. It’s easier for the police to maneuver their way around you, than for you to get out of the way.
Police are turning to devices like GPS to track down the bad guys. Once the find them they have several tricks. One effective tools is the the Stop Stick. It’s about 15 feet long, and is thrown out in front of the vehicle being pursued. The stick is filled with hallow nails and when the tires roll over them, they flatten the tires in a matter of mere seconds. Charles County Sheriff’s deputies demonstrated this for us at their training ground in Southern Maryland.
Another tactic used is the PIT maneuver; this is when a cop pursing a suspect car can force the vehicle to turn sideways, causing the suspect to lose control and stop abruptly.
The best advice from all of our experts is don’t try to be a hero and pay attention to your surroundings.
4 Comments on "High Speed Police Pursuits"
Laura
As a citizen and as a part of getting and keeping my licence, I’ve been conditioned to pull to the right for any emergency vehicle. How would a citizen be able to differentiate between just flashing lights and a high speed chase, stay where you are? I’m not trying to be smart as many of my family members are police officers, I’m just wondering if we should be more educated on this. Thank you. Love your show by the way.
adrian
I was so excited when I saw this segment of the show. It’s nice to know that you give tips on being safe during high speed persuits. I’ve seen a couple of persuits before and now I know what to do if I’m caught in one ( seeing as I start driving in 10 months).
B
I completely agree with Laura. I think we should be more educated in what to do in high speed persuits (especially in Southern California). We are so use to moving to the side when we see sirens coming. Many people don’t know what to do when it comes to high speed persuits. I learned something new in the segment and even though it was a small tip, it makes a HUGE difference.
jeremy doty
i think lots of cops kill people every year due to high speed chases i think it is wrong and just another way for them to endanger peoples lifes they have the make of the car and the licness plate number catch them when they are not on the road.i have lost a good friend due to a high speed chase and he was only wanted for no dl.was no drivers licness worth killing him?
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