Loyola University Student, David Price invents the Safety Pouch to protect citizens During Traffic Stops

The Standard Policing Project did data research on nearly 100 million traffic stops in the United States. Studies have shown 20 percent of African American drivers were more likely to be stopped than White Americans. Evidence has concluded that black and latino drivers were stopped more often with less evidence of actual crime or wrongdoing.

18 year old, David Price, a sophomore at Loyola University made it his duty to help tackle real world problems involving police brutality and social justice. While in his freshman business class he was asked to develop a project that represented the social change he would personally like to see. The safety pouch concept come about well before his freshman midterm project.

“I visualized the concept of the safety pouch when I received my driver’s license in my senior year of high school. My parents discussed with me the rules of driving and also how to act during a traffic stop. I recall being told to announce all of my actions to the officer and avoid making any sudden movements. I was told to be respectful and not be argumentative. If I was arrested, to go peacefully and not resist. I thought to myself, there has to be a product to help make traffic stops safer. I did not find anything that I really liked. “

“After a while, I forgot about the concept of the safety pouch because it was just an idea. During my first semester in college, I accidentally enrolled in a business seminar class. My midterm project was to create a product or service that would represent a societal change I would like to see. I remembered the safety pouch concept. The original concept was a tray which I later changed to a pouch. I decided to do my project on the safety tray.”

Price’s professor Katy Yoo McCrery was extremely impressed with his idea and encouraged him to make it into a real project. Named on the Silicon Bayou 100 List of tech entrepreneur leaders in 2018, McCrery assisted Price by connecting him with mentors who helped bring his idea to life.

“Millions of Black men everywhere worry about their safety every time they get pulled over by the police. I came up with this idea because I wanted a product that would promote a safe and positive experience for both drivers and law enforcement.  Overall, I saw the need for making routine traffic stops safer for everyone but primarily for African Americans. African Americans are more at risk to be involved in dangerous traffic encounters with the police that can result in being arrested, physical harm, or death.”

The safety pouch is a document holder storing essential documents (license, registration, insurance, ADA card) needed for traffic stops. The safety pouch features the color fluorescent orange. The color was selected because its high visibility. The color is extremely unique and noticeable for an officer to identify. It has the ability to attach and detach from the car window making it easy to not be mistaken for a weapon. The nylon pouch allows drivers to place their driver’s license and registration safely outside the window during a traffic stop. In recent weeks, orders have been piling up, as Price began selling his product.

“The key benefit of the Safety Pouch is that it decreases the need to reach for information while the officer is in front of you, allowing your hands to be in sight and on the wheel. Another main feature of this product is that it promotes social distancing. Using the Safety Pouch decreases hand-to-hand interaction for the driver and the officer, minimizing physical contact.”

Price has already gained an overwhelming amount of praise. The initial post went viral on social media within 2 days of posting his invention. Gaining over 150,000 views, likes, comments and re-shares, prompted hundreds of Americans to place orders amid global protests following the death of George Floyd. Price is currently working on a new product which is an extension of the safety pouch that he is extremely excited about.