How often have you heard in the news of unjustifiable traffic stops? Too often if you ask me. What if their was an app that could guide you through your police encounter safely, hopefully, and maybe even without a ticket! Would you download it?

Too many times we've seen African American people, and other minorities, get racially profiled when driving. This issue has ignited a flame in America as we try to find the truth on the death of Sandra Bland. How did turning into a lane with out a signal result in an arrest? Examples of this kind of racial profiling are deeply rooted in American history. Driving while black (DWB) a crime millions of people commit, and sadly are targeted by police because of it.

Black people tend to experience a disproportionate number of law enforcement traffic stops. Some stops are for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons, but others may appear to be “premeditated” stops, motivated by unconscious or conscious bias and perceptions that a driver looks “suspicious” based on factors such as race, color, socio-economic status, the type and condition of the driver’s vehicle, and the presence and appearance of any passengers. Mariann Hyland and Melvin Oden-Orr have created an app with a mission is to promote safety, accountability and justice during traffic stop encounters through the use of technology. They named it Driving While Black The App, it has so much resourceful information that gives you the confidence and knowledge you will need the next time you get stopped.

There seems to literally be an app for everything you can possibly think of, and this one seems to be a life saver. Though an app cannot protect you, it can prepare you in the event of a traffic stop. The app is available for IPhone and Android users. Teenagers and young adult drivers benefit a lot from this app. It provides information about the law and the proper procedure on what you should do when pulled over. The app allows you to notify family and friends when you get stopped, find legal professionals in your area, and even gives tips on how to make complaints or suggestions to legal authorities.

The people with DWB The app believe an officers job is to protect and serve first. The creators understand that the officer and driver have stress and fear approaching the situation. The resources this app provides helps ensure a better experience. The knowledge you learn could even save you from a ticket.

Sandra Blands' family and friends remember her as a "courageous voice" for social justice, and for her videos she posted on social media promoting the movement black lives matter. She believed that it was hard to be black in America, and that black people had to learn how to interact with white people. With this we must learn how to also interact with the police. We must all contribute to be the difference we want to see. Becoming more knowledgeable and preparing yourself for instances like this is a good way to start.

http://dwbtheapp.com/