Driving While Black? There’s An App For That
Two lawyers in Oregon have created an app to show what it’s like driving as an African American.
The new app “Driving While Black” is getting a lot of attention, according to ABC 7.
“Black people talk about the phenomenon of driving while black and our yearning for resources to help navigate those encounters with the police so that they stay safe,” she said.
The “Driving While Black” app is focused on African-Americans, but she says it’s for everybody.
It informs people of their rights during traffic stops and how to stay safe.
“If they recognize the challenge that officers face on a traffic stop,” Portland Sgt. Pete Simpson said. “That they’re very unpredictable, and a lot of times bad things can happen during traffic stops to police officers.”
“About 10 years ago, when Kendra James was killed during a traffic stop, I went to a community forum,” she said.
That’s where she met her business partner Melvin Oden Orr.
ABC reports:
The app will include a contact function, so drivers can alert people when they’re pulled over; it will have a record function, to record the stop; a complaint function that includes a commendation to give police feedback; and a function to help parents educate their kids. In today’s racial environment, police say they welcome anything that helps.
“A lot of emphasis on interactions between police officers and African-Americans, and understanding that, it just seems like an effort that’s trying to improve that relationship,” Simpson said.
Tinted windows should be avoided for people of color and headlights should be in working order, according to the app.
How sad that we even need a “driving while black” app.
H/T: @ComgenKDT with thanks.
Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Anomaly100
10 responses to Driving While Black? There’s An App For That
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Tommy6860 December 9th, 2014 at 18:09
Yes, it terribly sad that an app such as this may be needed to expose the inequities of law enforcement between ethnic groups. But such as it is, this may be useful. It’s becoming painfully obvious that we cannot rely on the law to do the right thing (it seems) even most of the time.
I have an idea, aside from mandating officers to wear body cams, why not have autos mandated with similar devices, that can be focused at the officer(s) during police stops and let recording begin. Make a law where an officer cannot refuse to be recorded; After all, s/he works for the public trust. If cops won’t get in line, maybe the government will help the people help police get in line with upholding the values of their job.
AAASuperPatriot December 9th, 2014 at 19:57
I’m for body cams and think they will help.
But it’s no magic bullet. When the cops strangled that guy to death in New York, it was all on video but conservatives still defend the cop.
Tommy6860 December 9th, 2014 at 19:59
I literally cried over that outcome from that Grand Jury.
whatthe46 December 10th, 2014 at 01:28
you were/aren’t alone.
Tommy6860 December 9th, 2014 at 19:09
Yes, it terribly sad that an app such as this may be needed to expose the inequities of law enforcement between ethnic groups. But such as it is, this may be useful. It’s becoming painfully obvious that we cannot rely on the law to do the right thing (it seems) even most of the time.
I have an idea, aside from mandating officers to wear body cams, why not have autos mandated with similar devices, that can be focused at the officer(s) during police stops and let recording begin. Make a law where an officer cannot refuse to be recorded; After all, s/he works for the public trust. If cops won’t get in line, maybe the government will help the people help police get in line with upholding the values of their job.
AAASuperPatriot December 9th, 2014 at 20:57
I’m for body cams and think they will help.
But it’s no magic bullet. When the cops strangled that guy to death in New York, it was all on video but conservatives still defend the cop.
Tommy6860 December 9th, 2014 at 20:59
I literally cried over that outcome from that Grand Jury.
whatthe46 December 10th, 2014 at 02:28
you were/aren’t alone.
AAASuperPatriot December 9th, 2014 at 19:55
I grew up in a hick town where the one cop would harass “hippies” (basically, if your hair touched your collar.)
I once got a ticket for going 15 in a 10 zone! I got a ticket for a tail light out. I got another ticket because I sped up from 35 to 50 but hit 50 about 10 feet before the sign. Other times he would pull me over and ask me where I was going. Just petty crap.
I still remember the injustice of that — all those years ago.
I can only imagine how much worse to have a lifetime of such harassment like many black men get.
AAASuperPatriot December 9th, 2014 at 20:55
I grew up in a hick town where the one cop would harass “hippies” (basically, if your hair touched your collar.)
I once got a ticket for going 15 in a 10 zone! I got a ticket for a tail light out. I got another ticket because I sped up from 35 to 50 but hit 50 about 10 feet before the sign. Other times he would pull me over and ask me where I was going. Just petty crap.
I still remember the injustice of that — all those years ago.
I can only imagine how much worse to have a lifetime of such harassment like many black men get.