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Speed traps are police ‘workplace hazard’

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Dear Editor,

Another police officer died recently while doing his duties: spot-checking motorists. How many more police officers must die before the authorities take corrective action?

Police officers put themselves in danger daily on our roads when they step out on the highway to stop oncoming speeding vehicles. This spot check business is a workplace safety hazard.

No police officer should be stepping out on a highway to stop a speeding motor car.

I had the experience of a constable suddenly stepping out from behind a parked tractor trailer, stiff as board, with his hand raised to stop me. It was only the grace of God why I had control of the vehicle and avoided hitting him. Another time, on Highway 2000, a woman constable was waving me down as if she was bumming a ride. The police should not be doing this any more.

I could understand if they had cones that forced motorist to slow down, then they can do their spot checks, but not when cars are speeding towards them.

How many more must die before this ‘blow-dryer’ radar detector is scrapped?

Our police must use cars equipped with radar when they do speed traps, and use cones to slow down motorists whenever they do this so-called spot check.

Police officers are at risk when they venture out in the road to stop a speeding car. The speeding driver might be up to no good, or otherwise distracted. The Police Federation should bring this work safety hazard to the authorities and have them address this matter.

I go further to warn officers that they should not step in front of speeding cars. If they do, it is at their own peril.

Authnel S Reid

reidaut@icloud.com


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