Are you old enough to remember the 90s? For those born after 1996, this article may seem confusing. But the iconic O.J.Simpson police chase occurred in 1994. While it’s remembered as a wild event, it actually had a deadly impact on police behavior in traffic that continues today. 

O.J. Simpson’s police chase increased dangerous police habits 

Here’s a quick refresh of what happened when O.J.Simpon led a police case in his unforgettable white Ford Bronco. He was named as a suspect for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. 

Police officers chased him for roughly an hour on the I-405 freeway in a slow-speed chase. But it was broadcast live and gained attention from 95 million viewers. It disrupted the NBA finals. 

Therefore, other outlets started broadcasting live police chases. Plus, tons of shows like Cops started popping up. These dangerous events of chasing criminals were publicly romanticized. What’s a better feeling than taking action to get the bad guy? 

Well, for decades, these types of traffic events have been incredibly dangerous. About 40% of pursuits end in crashes. Most of the time, innocent bystanders are injured or killed, not the pursuing officers or suspects behind the wheel. 

Cars will plow through pedestrians on the sidewalk, cause collisions in intersections, and even sail through businesses and homes. 

According to the Policing Project, pursuits kill an average of one American a day. Over 75% of pursuit-related deaths involve a chase that involves a minor traffic violation, such as not wearing a seatbelt. 

Luckily, it’s time to wake up to these dangers as police departments implement safer practices. New tech like GASP dart launchers can allow officers to track criminals without a high-speed chase. 

Plus, some organizations suggest implementing stricter policies, such as limiting pursuits to violent felonies and more severe, dangerous driving offenses.