Honkin' Mad

TxDot under a microscope

Many question the Texas Department of Transportation's competency. READ MORE

Does police radar make highways safer?

This morning on eastbound 121/183 in Hurst, I was surprised at how well traffic was moving. Airport Freeway was packed, yet everyone was moving at about the same 60 mph. Compared to a typical morning mash-up, it was a true driving pleasure. I realized why things were going so well as I approached Brown Trail, where a police car was parked on the left shoulder. The officer wasn't attempting to hide, and appeared to be parked there just to ensure everyone behaved.
Makes me wonder if the cities around here ought to pool their money and focus on patrolling during rush hour. Seems that'd be a more efficient way of improving gridlock, maximizing the space on freeways, reducing air pollution, etc. And, even if the officers were paid double-time for their efforts, it'd be a heckuva a lot cheaper than building new lanes.

Gridlock and accidents happen when people who want to drive 75 are forced to share space with people who want to drive 60. In the absence of a police presence, these drivers collide -- or nearly collide -- causing a sea of brake lights. And for the rest of the morning everyone is forced to drive 30. A stronger police presence -- not to hassle people, but as a deterrent -- could fix this problem.

Thoughts?

Pic: www.brightbambini.com

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