Harrison Ford Directs Traffic As Traffic Agents Find New Safeguards

When movie star Harrison Ford’s Mercedes was stuck between cars following a pileup in the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, he did what Indiana Jones may have done — he got involved and directed traffic.

Video captured by bystanders showed the actor in a nice suit and sunglasses on the street directing traffic.

With Ford playing traffic cop, bewildered drivers took turns to move lanes and get around the accident.

According to The Daily Mail, the celebrity headed over to the Carlyle Hotel as though nothing happened.

“Piloting a spacecraft through the galaxy is easier than getting around Manhattan,” Ford said.

Real Traffic Cops

While Ford’s efforts were applauded by the city, real-life traffic cops often go as unsung heroes.

Thousands of traffic “agents” write parking tickets, direct cars and other unglamorous duties are a frequent sight on the city’s streets. Although civilian employees of the Police Department, they rarely hear the word hero — but other four-letter words are used. That should change.

A relatively new state law means drivers face felony charges if they assault an agent. Drivers will look at up to seven years — in prison, where previously an assault was a misdemeanor and came with a one-year confinement.

The Penal Law’s change moves traffic agents to a level with police officers and firefighters. According to NYPD figures, an assault happens, on average, once a week.

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein said she backed the change as she felt “the agents were to a large extent the public’s punching bag.”

“The public doesn’t understand what we put up with here,” said Richard L. Ingram, a 58-year old traffic agent. “We try to make it safe to get from here to there, and people curse us.”

Traffic agents formerly were a branch of the Department of Transportation. Called ‘brownies’ for their uniforms’ color, they were moved into the NYPD in 1996 to emphasize their position as law enforcement.

About 3,000 agents strong, each earn between $28,000 and $43,000 annually. Police officers earn between $36,000 and $66,000.

Today the agents wear blue uniforms similar to NYPD but do not have weapons. If they run into trouble, they call the cops — like everyone else.