Police car chases in the United States have resulted in hundreds of deaths annually, with the majority of those killed not being the fleeing drivers themselves. Investigations have revealed that police officers, passengers, or bystanders are at a higher risk of being killed during these pursuits. A study by the San Francisco Chronicle uncovered that the actual number of lives lost due to police chases is significantly undercounted by the federal government, with at least 3,300 fatalities occurring from 2017 to 2022.
During this period, 136 individuals lost their lives as a result of police pursuits, while over 52,600 people sustained injuries from the same cause. Despite some cities implementing stricter policies to limit when police can engage in chases, the issue seems to be escalating, as 2020 and 2021 marked the two deadliest years on record.
In 2020 and 2021 alone, nearly 700 individuals died as a result of police chases, averaging to almost two deaths per day. The lack of reliable federal data on this concerning aspect of policing raises questions about the transparency and accountability surrounding these incidents.
Experts acknowledge that police may need to pursue individuals suspected of violent crimes, but many chases are initiated over minor infractions such as traffic violations. The underreporting of chase-related deaths is part of a broader problem concerning police use of force, with similar issues observed in the reporting of police shootings.
While some cities have introduced stricter guidelines on police pursuits, resulting in a decline in pursuit-related deaths and injuries, officers who violate these policies often face minimal consequences. Data analysis revealed that only a small fraction of officers accused of misconduct during fatal chases were convicted of crimes, with few facing disciplinary actions.
It is important to note that police officers themselves are also at risk during pursuits, with officers over 55 being involved in these chases. Despite the dangers posed to both officers and civilians during police pursuits, questions remain about the effectiveness of current policies in safeguarding lives and promoting accountability within law enforcement.
