By Todd Duncan, Law Enforcement and Safety Specialist
Routine driving remains one of the most dangerous activities for law enforcement officers. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, vehicle-related incidents have consistently been a leading cause of duty-related deaths, accounting for nearly 40% of officer fatalities over the past decade. In 2024, nearly the same number of officers (49) died from traffic-related incidents as shootings (52). And while high-speed pursuits often capture public attention, the greater risk lies in routine, day-to-day driving such as patrolling, responding to calls, or transporting individuals.
A major contributor to these incidents is distracted driving. As technology evolves, an increasing number of electronic devices such as mobile data terminals, sophisticated radios, smartphones, license plate readers, in-car camera displays, and speed detection systems are being installed in patrol vehicle cockpits. These devices not only create manual, visual, and cognitive distractions, but they can also obscure drivers’ view if mounting/placement is not carefully considered. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that officers are up to five times more likely to be involved in a crash while using mobile data terminals.
Defensive driving is equally important during emergency vehicle operations. Those who attended the NIRMA Self Defense for County Officials conference in Kearney last year likely recall the powerful presentation by Kimberly Schlau, whose two young daughters were killed after an Illinois state trooper lost control of his vehicle while responding to a traffic crash and crossed the median slamming into their car. Jessica Uhl, 18, and her sister Kelli Uhl, 13, were pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed the trooper was traveling over 120 mph while talking on the phone with his girlfriend and using his mobile data terminal. Further investigation found that emergency personnel were already on the scene of the call that the trooper was responding to.
NRS 60-6,114 grants certain privileges to emergency vehicle operators, such as proceeding through red lights, exceeding speed limits, and disregarding certain traffic rules; however, these privileges do not relieve officers from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. Officers responding to emergencies remain accountable for reckless or negligent behavior, reinforcing the importance of balancing urgency with public safety.
A recent incident involving a NIRMA member highlights the legal exposure counties face when officers violate traffic laws during emergency responses. In this case, a deputy responding with lights and siren proceeded through a red light and struck a motorist who had entered the intersection on a green light. Despite NIRMA’s efforts to negotiate a favorable settlement, the jury ultimately ruled in favor of the motorist, resulting in a significant financial loss to the pool. The case serves as a reminder that even during emergencies, officers must exercise due caution and remain accountable under the law.
To mitigate these risks, agencies must emphasize defensive driving practices during routine and emergency vehicle operation:
- Limit In-Vehicle Distractions: Adopt policies that prohibit or strictly limit the use of cell phones, mobile data terminals, and other electronic devices while the vehicle is in motion. Many agencies now enforce “stop to type” policies, requiring officers to pull over when interacting with onboard technology.
- Use of Seatbelts: Although compliance has improved, failure to wear seatbelts continues to be a factor in officer fatalities. Rigorous enforcement of seatbelt policies saves lives.
- Adopt the “Drive to Arrive” Mentality: Officers must prioritize safe arrival over speed, even during emergency responses. Training should reinforce that arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
- Maintain Situational Awareness: Constant scanning, maintaining safe following distances, and anticipating the actions of other drivers are fundamental. Officers should drive with the assumption that civilian drivers may not always react predictably to emergency vehicles.
- Continuous Training: Agencies are encouraged to provide all personnel with defensive driving training at least annually, including a review of NRS 60-6,114. Various training resources are available through NIRMA such as instructor-led defensive driving classes and NIRMA Online University courses designed specifically for law enforcement.
The financial, operational, and human costs of routine driving incidents are high. Proactive risk management, built on defensive driving principles, is essential to safeguard officers and the public and to shield agencies from costly litigation. By making defensive driving a cultural priority, agencies not only protect their personnel but also reinforce public trust and operational readiness.
For questions or more information on training opportunities, contact NIRMA’s Law Enforcement and Safety Specialist Todd Duncan at 402.742.9220 or tduncan@nirma.info.
