Though it’s something we’ve known all along, a recent racial profiling report from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement reveals Driving While Black can be a serious offense. Black drivers in the Houston area made up 34% of traffic stops overall in 2023—despite accounting for only about 20% of the population in Harris County.
Even more troubling? Black drivers were involved in nearly half of all vehicle searches conducted by the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Out of over 34,000 searches, 16,830 involved Black drivers. And when it came to searches based on probable cause, Black drivers made up 62% of those—three times the rate of white drivers.
Yet, 66% of those searches turned up nothing.
These numbers mirror a national problem, but for young Black drivers in Texas, it’s not just statistics—it’s a life lesson.
Teaching teens to get home safe
That’s where community leaders like Officer Shynolan Reese and his wife Jontae Reese, are stepping in.
The husband-and-wife duo recently spoke on a youth panel sponsored by the Missouri City—Sugar Land chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. called “Driving While Black.” The panel focused on preparing young drivers—especially Black teens—for safe encounters with law enforcement.
“The biggest message I hope they learn is how they need to function in life,” said Officer Reese. “Getting back home just like we want to get back home. They need to take that same ideology—getting back home to their parents, their regular life—and not making the wrong decision that can impact them years down the line.”
“The worst thing that could happen is you get a ticket—and you can deal with that later. But don’t let a situation turn into something that ruins your future.”
Officer Shynolan Reese
It’s a sentiment born out of real fear—and real experience. Jontae, who helped lead the panel, highlighted a major red flag in many of these stops.
“If you don’t know why you’re being pulled over, there’s a higher likelihood that there’s going to be an escalation,” he said.
Law enforcement officials and community advocates are working to prevent that escalation. But it starts with education—not just about rights but about behavior during a traffic stop.
Understanding the bigger picture
In September, the Texas Civil Rights Project released another report that further dissected the racial disparities in Houston traffic stops. The findings? Black drivers were issued nearly 42% of all citations for non-moving violations, such as expired tags or broken taillights.
Christopher Rivera, the project’s outreach coordinator, pointed to a major issue: these stops are often just pretext.
“Traffic stops are often used as a pretextual search tool,” Rivera said. “There’s no actual tie to public safety. It’s mostly a tool for racial profiling.”
While Harris County has since launched a voucher program through Lights On!, offering up to $250 to help low-income drivers fix broken lights, Rivera says it doesn’t go far enough.
“It helps, but it doesn’t address the issue of pretextual searches,” he said. “What ultimately helps the community is police no longer engaging in these types of traffic stops.”
Politeness over protest?
In his conversation with young people, Officer Reese emphasized how small decisions can make a big difference. He doesn’t sugarcoat the reality, but offers advice meant to save lives.
“Be courteous and ask. Don’t create a barrier or give a reason for things to escalate,” he said. “The worst thing that could happen is you get a ticket—and you can deal with that later. But don’t let a situation turn into something that ruins your future.”
He discouraged actions like refusing to roll down the window, speaking aggressively or immediately filming in a confrontational way—not because those things are illegal, but because they may escalate tension.
“You can record, you can curse, you can yell—it’s not illegal. But it makes things harder. And if you go that route, you’re definitely getting a ticket,” Officer Reese added with a chuckle. “At the end of the day, just get through the traffic stop. Make it back home.”
Five tips for surviving a traffic stop
Here are five practical tips Officer Reese offers to help young drivers navigate a police stop safely:
- Stay Calm and Courteous
Take a deep breath. Speak respectfully, even if you’re upset or confused. This can help de-escalate any tension. - Ask Questions Politely
If you don’t know why you were pulled over, it’s okay to ask. Say something like, “Officer, I’m on the phone with my parents. They want to know why I was pulled over.” - Avoid Creating Barriers
Don’t partially crack your window or refuse to speak. While it’s legal, it can create suspicion and escalate the situation unnecessarily. - Record Responsibly
You have the right to record the interaction but do it calmly. Avoid making sudden movements or aggressive gestures. - Prioritize Getting Home
Whether you agree with the stop or not, your main goal should be to make it home safely. You can always fight a ticket later.
