Dear Dr. Gridlock:
In response to "Hog-Wild Riders" [Dr. Gridlock, Sept. 23], I can offer this perspective from law enforcement.
Our regular police cruisers are no match for the type of motorcycles I believe your reader is commenting on. Sport motorcycles are extremely fast and maneuverable. The police are very cautious about engaging in any pursuit and weigh the decision to pursue against the violation committed, the highway conditions and the safety of the public and the police officer.
We have not, however, given up on attempting to apprehend these dangerous drivers. We have had great success with the use of our police helicopters, which follow these drivers from high above and eventually let the officers on the ground know where they end up.
In addition, we have experienced success in using unmarked cruisers to get close enough to record the license plate numbers so we can follow up without engaging in a chase.
When we do catch them -- and we are catching more and more as we perfect our strategy -- they at the very least face reckless driving charges, which can and often do result in jail time and a significant license suspension in Virginia.
The few sport motorcycle riders who choose to engage in this dangerous behavior on our roads and highways give the rest of the sport motorcycle riders a bad reputation.
Motorists can continue to report this activity to the police (#77 on a cell phone or 911), and we will do our best to catch them, keeping the safety of everyone in mind.
Capt. J.F. Bowman
Commander, Traffic Division
Fairfax County Police Department
Thank you, captain. It is good to know law enforcement is concerned about these high-speed, lane-weaving, reckless motorcycle operators.
I wonder if I could ask for an example of a recently cited violator(s), as well as the number of citations issued for 2004, and the disposition of their cases in court, if possible.
That would amplify your points.
Hybrids in HOV Lanes
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Are hybrid vehicles required by law to have the Clean Special Fuel/CF license plates to legally use HOV lanes on Interstate 66 inside the Beltway?
