Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Sen. Patrick Gallivan announced a bipartisan bill on Friday that would require driver's education and defensive driving classes to explain what to do during a traffic stop.
Gallivan says his time as a state trooper and Erie County Sheriff allowed him the recognition of the importance of having this type of legislation.
"Unfortunately, there is always the potential for these interactions to become dangerous, often because of misunderstanding or inappropriate behavior," Gallivan stated. "All drivers, especially young drivers, will benefit from this information."
Gallivan has also partnered up with local community leaders to create an information pamphlet, which will be distributed to schools, libraries, community centers throughout his district, and in senate offices across the state. Inside the pamphlet, it outlines the rights and responsibilities of drivers, and how to ensure everyone stays safe during a traffic stop.
"I encourage all motorists, new and experienced, to review this informative brochure, to drive safely and responsibly, follow all traffic laws, be respectful, stay calm, and comply with all requests from law enforcement in order to avoid you being detained or even arrested for any uncooperative actions," Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns said in a statement.
Erie County Sheriff's Lt. Jeremy Lehning says it's important for all drivers to know what an officer is going to ask and do during a routine traffic stop.
"If you are pulled over, simply know where your documentation is in your car, your license, your registration, your proof of insurance. Know that the officer is going to ask for that and be able to produce it," Lehning stated in an interview with WBEN. The officer is going to approach the vehicle, speak with you, educate you on on why you were stopped, what you need to do to fix the issue, square everything away, and if for whatever reason, you are issued a citation, how to respond to that."