In drivers training, the instructors do not go into depth or discuss what to do when stopped by law enforcement. That is why I choose to get involved. Driver training instructors believe adolescents should know what to do when they are pulled over, but high school students are not taught.

The goal of the 3 R’s program: RELAX RESPECT RESPOND, is to educate new drivers so that they know what to do when stopped by law enforcement. Too many incidents happened because new drivers were taught what to do and get extremely nervous because they are afraid.

For my Gold Award Project, I worked with the Troy Police Department School Liaison Officer Julian, and Brenda Rosenberg, (community leader and liaison to the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan) to create the RRR Program. Brenda was an excellent advisor because she had created a high school course entitled “Hate 2 Hope” a program that fosters trust between law enforcement and community by working together to face challenges and find solutions as a team.

My goal is to ensure that new drivers will be prepared if they are stopped by police. Being pulled over by police can be a stressful event for both sides, law enforcement, and the driver/passengers. The 3 R’s Program is designed to educate and prepare new drivers so that they know what to do when stopped in a motorized vehicle. The mutual understanding of the 3 R’s Traffic Stop Protocol allows drivers, passengers and law enforcement feel safer during a traffic stop. There has been to many incidents of drivers running off the road, as well as drivers, passengers and police being injured and/or dying during a traffic stop. I accomplish my goal of creating a successful educational program that illustrates a step by step protocol to follow during a traffic stop for drivers, passengers and police with the Troy Police. I am grateful for the support and guidance of my advisor, Brenda Rosenberg, and New Detroit.