Page 9 - My FlipBook

Studies show that Black drivers are twice as likely as White
drivers to be pulled over by police and four times as likely
to be searched for drugs or weapons. Black Americans
sometimes refer to this as DWB, or driving while Black.

harassed by police in the city of Greensboro. The investigation
shone a harsh light on the problems facing drivers who say their
only offense was driving while Black. According to reporters Sha-
ron LaFraniere and Andrew W. Lehren, “Offi cers were more likely
to stop black drivers for no discernable reason. And they were
more likely to use force if the driver was black, even when they did
not encounter physical resistance.” 8
The report described cases of Black motorists who were
wrongly accused of reckless driving, drunk driving, drug pos-
session, and prostitution during routine traffi c stops. Cars were
searched, and people were arrested and jailed on false charges.
Those who objected to aggressive police behavior were pep-
per sprayed, Tasered, or beaten. Greensboro civil rights attorney
Lewis Pitts was not surprised by these fi ndings: “[If a Black mo-
torist] does anything but be completely submissive and cower,
then you get the classic countercharge by the offi cer that there
was resistance, or disorderly conduct, or public intoxication. Then
they end up in jail.” 9

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