Tailgating is probably as dangerous as speeding. Way too many people do it, and we've all been victims of it, even when we're speeding. Easy way to generate more revenue for the local coffers. Create a device to measure distance between your tail and potential tailgaters. Send out unmarked cars to drive 10 mile above the speed limit. Wait 30 seconds for inevitable tailgaters to do their thing. Turn on hidden siren and pull these bastards over. Easy cash.
Why would the police need to speed 10mph over the speed limit to catch tailgaters? Do tailgaters only tailgate speeders? Wouldn't the police catch the same amount of tailgaters if they were just driving the speed limit in an unmarked car??
I like that idea, in fact yesterday on my way to work, a black Prius pulled up next to me at a light. Upon closer inspection, it was an unmarked MN State Patrol car (in Savage at hwy 101 & 13 for you Twin Citians)! Wouldn't that be a surprise to Testosterone Joe in his mighty Hummer.
Just to give the tailgater some leeway. When you pull them over, the officer can say, "I was going 10 over the speed limit and you were STILL tailgating me. Here's your ticket. Have a nice day."
I like your idea, but I wouldn't let the police pull them over with an unmarked car. In fact I believe that the police should never be allowed to pull over cars with an unmarked police car - it's simply too much of a security risk. Unmarked cars should work in tandem with a marked unit, and all marked units should be of a standardized color scheme; let's say black and white for example. On top of that it should be illegal for anyone other than the police to ever drive a car with the standard police color scheme. It would be easy to do, easy to enforce, and a lot safer than the free-for-all we presently have. Tom
You're absolutely right. An unmarked car should be able to pull over a car. I like the in tandem idea. This would be such a cash cow that these specific duo teams would pay for itself.
10MPH over limit so you get two tickets for the time of one, nice. Forget the marked car in tandem... use video evidence, posted on a secure site, and send the summons by mail. (Just like red light/Toll Booth cameras)
speeding to encourage speeders? is that even legal? police really don't need extra technique. spend more time developing a proper transportation rought. let's get rid of these lights. round abouts are better.. but not when the speed limit is 15mpg, so people to 5. I hate tailgaters too... honestly, i do it a fair amount... when approaching a red, i'll roll up behind others. if they choose not to accelerate, i'll have to stop. simple enough. the only thing the car in front of me would be doing is slowing down flow of traffic. I try to do my part to let traffic get up to a proper speed, and keep there for the majority of my trips. the faster the cars behind me can accelerate, the less people behind them will have to brake.
