Aug. 22, 2025 6 AM PT
To the editor: The brand new nondescript California Freeway Patrol vehicles are sorely wanted and hopefully appreciated by law-abiding people who’re sick and bored with dodging speeders, tailgaters and drivers glued to their cellphones (“CHP’s stealthy new SUVs are coming after reckless California drivers,” Aug. 20). Since so lots of the autos on the street are SUVs, the brand new patrol vehicles (additionally SUVs) will simply mix in with the circulate of visitors.
The 100 new Dodge Durangos placed on the roads three months in the past will escape simple detection with no police lights, sirens or emblems. I can image a man in his late 30s with a chip on his shoulder dashing within the quick lane of the freeway going about 95 mph, wanting within the rearview mirror to discover a plain-looking SUV maintaining with him and pondering to himself, “Okay, this man desires to race.” And the following instantaneous, flashing crimson lights and a siren.
I see one downside on this state of affairs which is, sans seen lights and police emblems on the vehicles, the deterrence issue might endure, however hopefully to not the extent of this system not being successful.
Invoice Spitalnick, Newport Seaside