"Police pursuits have long been presented as a necessary tool for law enforcement, but new national data reveals that the majority of fatal pursuits begin with something far less serious than violent crime. In fact, hundreds of deadly chases every year start with speeding, a broken taillight, or a driver simply failing to stop. Between 2017 and 2022, 3,336 people were killed in police pursuits across the United States."
"National data shows that pursuits leading to deaths were most commonly initiated for: Traffic stops: 949 fatalities Suspected nonviolent crime: 574 fatalities Suspected violent crime: 284 fatalities Minor incidents or no suspected crime: 39 fatalities Traffic-stop categories include serious violations like DUI - but also routine stops for: When these encounters escalate into high-speed pursuits, the risk to the broader public increases dramatically. Even a 10-20 second chase can reach dangerous speeds in busy residential areas."
From 2017 to 2022, 3,336 people were killed in police pursuits across the United States. Fatal chases most commonly began with traffic stops (949 fatalities) and suspected nonviolent crimes (574 fatalities), while only 284 began for suspected violent crime. Bystanders and passengers accounted for 1,099 deaths combined, exceeding the 920 deaths of fleeing drivers. Even short chases can reach dangerous speeds in residential areas, increasing risk to the public. Some states and cities have tightened pursuit policies, and limiting chases for low-level violations could immediately reduce fatalities.
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