There’s a Bear in the Air! (Thanks to CW McCall)

Posted at 11:22 a.m. on September 16, 2019

The Brillion News

CLOUD NINE – The Wisconsin State Patrol plans to use aircraft and ground-based officers to watch for speeders and reckless drivers in several northeast Wisconsin counties this week.

If weather conditions are unfavorable for flying, enforcement typically proceeds using ground-based units. Traffic enforcement efforts are planned for Monday, September 16 along I-41 in Outagamie County; Tuesday, September 17 along I-41 in Winnebago County; and Friday, September 20 along I-43 in Brown County.

“We publicly announce many of these enforcement efforts to reinforce that our goal is voluntary compliance with traffic laws,” said Captain Ryan Chaffee with the State Patrol’s Northeast Region Fond du Lac Post. “Officers will be watching for speeding, tailgating or other reckless driving behaviors that risk the safety of all travelers.”

Most State Patrol aerial missions are made possible through federal funds specifically designated to support traffic law enforcement. The State Patrol analyzes data on traffic crashes and citations to identify highway corridors for enforcement efforts.

State Patrol aircraft use a timing device known as VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) along with highway markings to determine vehicle speeds. When pilots detect speeders, aggressive or reckless drivers, they contact ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop.

Balanced coverage: For the other side of this story, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqYTX7parRw