AAAPI drivers more likely to receive speeding tickets, bigger fines than white drivers: study
February 16, 2024
A recent research report published by Lyft reveals that rideshare drivers who identify as Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Hispanic or Black are more likely to receive speeding tickets than white drivers.
The report: According to the study, AAPI, Hispanic and Black drivers are 24% to 33% more likely to be stopped for speeding and pay 23% to 34% more in fines, even when driving at the exact same speeds as white drivers in Florida.
The research sheds light on racial disparities in law enforcement practices, highlighting that people of color face a higher likelihood of being targeted for traffic violations. However, law enforcement associations in Florida have not commented on the findings.
About the study: Researchers analyzed 40 billion different GPS observations and cross-referenced that data with traffic violation records from Florida, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
They then compared Florida speeding tickets with Lyft GPS data before utilizing publicly available data from the Florida State Election Board to match drivers’ names with self-reported racial identification, enabling them to determine the race of drivers who received speeding tickets. This methodology allowed the researchers to analyze the relationship between race and traffic violations among Lyft drivers in the state.
Researchers’ suggestions: According to researchers, the study suggests that these racial differences cannot be explained by non-race related factors. Although the findings may be limited to Lyft drivers in Florida, the research design could be applied to broader samples for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of race in policing. They emphasized the need for further research and potential policy interventions to address these disparities.
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