Respect for police would avert tragedy

In respect to your editorial of July 26: Yes, the Sandra Bland death is tragic. However, it could have been avoided if she would have listened to the police officer.

Last weekend, my husband and I were returning from Wisconsin, on I-90. We were pulled over by an Illinois State trooper and had no idea why. Before the officer reached our vehicle, my husband had his driver's license out and I handed him the insurance card from the glove box. We were pulled over, because my husband didn't signal when he changed lanes.

Instead of being belligerent and confrontational, we thanked the officer and treated him with respect and in return he was respectful to us. In addition, we both are nonsmokers. However if we were smokers, our cigarettes would have been extinguished before the officer reached the car.

It's called respect. Something this country sorely lacks, when it comes to the police who serve and protect us.

Shirley C. Singer

Arlington Heights