WARNING: Watch out!
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From: WASTED in Margaritaville
WARNING: Watch out!
FHP to use 18 'stealth' cars to track down aggressive drivers
Associated Press
December 7, 2004, 7:14 AM EST
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Highway Patrol has unveiled its newest weapon in cracking down on aggressive driving: 18 unmarked ``stealth'' cars ready to pursue speeders across the state.
The high-performance Mercury Marauders are completely unmarked, complete with regular-issue license plates. Their police lights are hidden behind the front grilles and their windows are tinted, obscuring the uniformed trooper inside.
FHP chief Col. Chris Knight said aggressive drivers ``are turning our highways into high-risk arenas.'' The department gets more complaints about aggressive driving _ drivers who commit two or more moving violations simultaneously, such as speeding and weaving in and out of traffic _ than any other subject.
From July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2004, there were nearly 8,800 citations for aggressive driving statewide.
During a pilot program using three Marauders in Broward and Palm Beach counties through Oct. 31, the department issued more than 700 citations.
Broward Trooper Gary Slayton, who has been in a pilot project with the Marauder, said even in heavy traffic ``we are seeing drivers running 100, 110 miles an hour.''
The vehicles were donated by a benefactor who wants to remain anonymous, FHP spokesman Maj. Ernesto Duarte said.
Assigning 18 troopers to the job is ``the largest effort at combating aggressive driving in the Florida Highway Patrol's history,'' said Kevin Guidry, an FHP bureau chief in charge of the program.
The cars are equipped with high-definition digital video and an infrared camera, backing up troopers when they confront aggressive drivers.
``When you have the camera, they can't dispute it,'' said FHP Trooper Mike Transue.
Associated Press
December 7, 2004, 7:14 AM EST
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Highway Patrol has unveiled its newest weapon in cracking down on aggressive driving: 18 unmarked ``stealth'' cars ready to pursue speeders across the state.
The high-performance Mercury Marauders are completely unmarked, complete with regular-issue license plates. Their police lights are hidden behind the front grilles and their windows are tinted, obscuring the uniformed trooper inside.
FHP chief Col. Chris Knight said aggressive drivers ``are turning our highways into high-risk arenas.'' The department gets more complaints about aggressive driving _ drivers who commit two or more moving violations simultaneously, such as speeding and weaving in and out of traffic _ than any other subject.
From July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2004, there were nearly 8,800 citations for aggressive driving statewide.
During a pilot program using three Marauders in Broward and Palm Beach counties through Oct. 31, the department issued more than 700 citations.
Broward Trooper Gary Slayton, who has been in a pilot project with the Marauder, said even in heavy traffic ``we are seeing drivers running 100, 110 miles an hour.''
The vehicles were donated by a benefactor who wants to remain anonymous, FHP spokesman Maj. Ernesto Duarte said.
Assigning 18 troopers to the job is ``the largest effort at combating aggressive driving in the Florida Highway Patrol's history,'' said Kevin Guidry, an FHP bureau chief in charge of the program.
The cars are equipped with high-definition digital video and an infrared camera, backing up troopers when they confront aggressive drivers.
``When you have the camera, they can't dispute it,'' said FHP Trooper Mike Transue.
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From: M.I.A.M.I., FLORIDA
DAMN!!! I read about this. But hey make sure (Especially for all us girls). If you are being stopped by a unmarked car, who does have the police lights, but are very concerned for your safety, make sure you stop at a VERY WELL LIGHTED AREA and populated. If not slow down and make sure to call 911 advise the dispatcher you are being pulled over and want to assure it is a police officer behind you because it's un marked. Tell the Dispatcher to please advise officer you are pulling over at the next gas station or what not. There are too many punks out there posing as police officers and I do not want to see any one get hurt!
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From: It's a secret!
Originally Posted by Spa02S2K,Dec 7 2004, 12:03 PM
DAMN!!! I read about this. But hey make sure (Especially for all us girls). If you are being stopped by a unmarked car, who does have the police lights, but are very concerned for your safety, make sure you stop at a VERY WELL LIGHTED AREA and populated. If not slow down and make sure to call 911 advise the dispatcher you are being pulled over and want to assure it is a police officer behind you because it's un marked. Tell the Dispatcher to please advise officer you are pulling over at the next gas station or what not. There are too many punks out there posing as police officers and I do not want to see any one get hurt!
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From: Miami, Fl
Year 2003
Make Mercury
Model Marauder
Displacement 4600 cc / 280.7 cu in
Power 300.0 bhp
Torque 300.0 ft lbs
Liter 65.22 bhp per litre Body
Final Drive Ratio 3.55:1
http://www.cars.com/carsapp/boston?szc=&sr...r_overview.tmpl
Pretty cool....not soo cool deal though.
Make Mercury
Model Marauder
Displacement 4600 cc / 280.7 cu in
Power 300.0 bhp
Torque 300.0 ft lbs
Liter 65.22 bhp per litre Body
Final Drive Ratio 3.55:1
http://www.cars.com/carsapp/boston?szc=&sr...r_overview.tmpl
Pretty cool....not soo cool deal though.
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From: South Florida
I'm parked next to one right now (my neighbor).
He says they'll go 168 MPH. So ... if you see a black Marauder with chrome wheels - watch out! The lights in the front grill are hard to see until it's too late.
He says they'll go 168 MPH. So ... if you see a black Marauder with chrome wheels - watch out! The lights in the front grill are hard to see until it's too late.
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From: WASTED in Margaritaville
That piece of junk couldn't hit 168 with god's own hand pushing it. C&D tested it.
Does the cop in your neighborhood have one with an FHP plate or a normal plate Tachman?
Does the cop in your neighborhood have one with an FHP plate or a normal plate Tachman?