California Highway Patrol is deploying new patrol vehicles in the hopes of cracking down on what the agency calls “video game style” driving.
According to a CHP news release, 100 Dodge Durangos vehicles will pair with a fleet of Dodge Chargers and Ford Explorers, allowing them to “observe the most reckless and dangerous behaviours without immediate detection.”
“The new vehicle gives our officers a significant advantage,” CHP Commissioner Sean Dury said in a statement. “They allow them to identify and stop drivers who are putting others at risk, but they have a professional and visible presence when enforcement action is needed.”
The new vehicle comes in a variety of colors, with a version of the traditional CHP vehicle marking sharply contrasting the door.
(California Highway Patrol)
Vehicles will be deployed in various regions throughout the state starting this week. All 100 patrol units will be located along California’s busiest roads and highways by June.
Over 390,000 vehicle collisions occur in California every year, with 1,000 daily reports of reckless driving. Last year, CHP officials issued roughly 18,000 citations to people speeding at over 100 mph.
According to CHP, speed is a factor in about 30% of crashes.
“Our goals remain the same: reduce injuries, prevent deaths and restore the sense of safety of California roads,” according to the release. “We urge all drivers to follow speed limits, avoid positive action and share the road responsibly.”
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