What is a practice traffic stop?
This program allows autistic drivers and passengers to work with the police in a safe, friendly space to practice a live traffic stop. It’s a great way to meet the police and ask them questions.
What will happen during the practice traffic stop?
During the practice traffic stop, you’ll drive your car in a parking lot. The police will pull you over like they would if you made a driving mistake. Then you will practice the steps of a traffic stop. Before coming, you should watch the pre-driving video and review the resource guide, What to Do During a Traffic Stop or Car Crash. Both resources can be found below.
How do I sign up for a practice traffic stop?
Interested drivers can sign up to participate in a 30-minute practice driving traffic stop. This opportunity is in partnership with the Delaware Natural Resource Police, Delaware State Parks, and New Castle City Police Departments.
- Where: TBD
- When: TBD
- Who: Delaware Residents. Autistic drivers and passengers of all ages are welcome.
- Police: Delaware Natural Resources Police and New Castle City Police Department.
- Sign up: Registration is required. Limited spots are available.
Does this time not work for you?
The DNEA will be hosting additional offerings in the near future. Check back here for more dates!
Questions?
Contact Program Coordinator Katie Booz (boozkp@udel.edu)
Resources
Pre-Driving Video
This video is part of the DNEA driving program. It is designed to support autistic Delaware drivers and passengers. The video will introduce DNEA driving resources. It will show you what to do if you are pulled over by the police, in a car crash, or if your car breaks down. Drivers and passengers who sign up for the practice traffic stop session should watch the video before arriving. It will help prepare you for the practice traffic stop.
Talking to a Police Officer About My Autism
Should I tell a police officer or first responder that I have autism? It’s up to you! This guide provides information about the DNEA’s About My Autism Card and details on noting your autism on your driver’s license or identification card at the Delaware DMV.
What to do During a Traffic Stop or Car Crash
The police are here to help and protect us and ensure everyone follows the law. Sometimes, the police will stop you while you are driving because of a traffic violation. This resource guide lays out the steps you can follow if the police pull you over and what you should do if you are in a car crash or if your car breaks down.
Resources that will be provided during the practice traffic stop
About My Autism Card
Sharing that you are autistic with a police officer is your choice. The About My Autism card will help you decide what you share with an officer. Ideas on what you can say can be found on one side. The other side has space for you to write your own words.
Auto Document Envelope
The envelope allows drivers to identify their disability, share their emergency contact information, and provide their health care information.
My Care Plan
Includes: My Health Care Plan & My Emergency Care Plan
The My Care Plan resources help you communicate important personal and health information with your providers.
These two communication tools are accessible in both print and digital formats to provide doctors and first responders with written information about how to best care for your health needs.
The documents are available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.