Why Police Don’t Chase Extremely Reckless Drivers

When you see a driver pushing their car to over 100 mph, you might wonder why the police don't chase them. After all, wouldn't it be safer to pull them over before an accident occurs?

Laws and Exceptions

Washington State law famously prohibits vehicular police pursuits, with some notable exceptions. According to the law, police can chase someone if there is reasonable suspicion of:

A violent offense Escaping from jail or prison A DUI offense

However, these exceptions are quite narrow and rare. Approximately 95% of police pursuits in Washington are unlawful, making it clear that these instances are not the standard practice.

Practical Challenges

There are several reasons why police often don’t chase extremely reckless drivers:

Vehicle Speed Limitations

Not all squad cars can reach top speeds. Depending on the model, some police vehicles can only reach speeds around 115 mph. To catch a driver going over 100 mph, the police would have to be significantly faster, which is not always feasible.

Reckless Driving Risks

Chasing a reckless driver is risky for all involved. If police officers are keeping up with a 100 mph driver, they are also driving recklessly. Lights and sirens are not a substitute for traffic laws, especially at high speeds. Blowing through intersections at such speeds is a recipe for disaster.

Mandated Caution

Many police departments have established stricter guidelines for police pursuits. Recent trends have seen departments avoid pursuits due to the risk of lawsuits. Even if a criminal crashes and causes harm, the department is often held responsible. This has led many agencies to prioritize caution, avoiding high-speed chases even if they might prevent accidents.

Stricter Policies and Legal Risks

Some police departments have chosen not to chase reckless drivers due to the legal landscape. The fear of lawsuits has led to a cautious approach. For example, a department might choose not to chase a reckless driver because they are concerned about being held responsible if the suspect crashes and causes harm.

People tend to sue the police when a suspect wrecks their car and hurts someone during a pursuit, reacting to this legal risk. Departments are often willing to take this approach to avoid unnecessary litigation, even if it means allowing a reckless driver to continue their dangerous behavior.

It's important to note that many departments are re-evaluating these policies due to public safety concerns. While the current stance is to prioritize caution, there is growing recognition of the need to balance safety with legal risk.

In conclusion, while it might seem logical to chase reckless drivers, police often face practical challenges, risks, and legal considerations that make them hesitant to do so. The debate around police pursuits continues, with a growing emphasis on balancing public safety and legal responsibility.