Speed traps in snowy conditions

[J Route Z]

Since cops usually hang out on grassy medians or U-turn's in the median, if these were covered in snow, there's more of a chance they would not go there since their vehicle could get stuck, unless they are all wheel drive. (some median openings have been cleared out by a plow, some have not). Do you think people like to push their luck to go above the speed limit, even if the road was cleared out by using salt and plows, with a possible risk of black ice? Also, cops like to park on the shoulder at times. I doubt they want to risk their own lives by patrolling the road from the shoulder with snow and ice present, since cars may slide and lose control. Even if that does happen, we still need cops in emergency situations! What do you think?

[hotdogPi]

Are you implying we need speed traps?

[J Route Z]

Ha, no I edited my post to clarify we need cops in times of crisis, if cars were sliding and crashing into each other on a slippery road.

[oscar]

Based on limited experience (since I don't drive a lot in such conditions), ISTM that at least some of cops' favorite hiding places are cleared of snow about as well as the roads are cleared.

If there's that much snow out there, I won't be comfortable exceeding the posted limit anyway, and at lower speeds I'll worry more driving safely than getting busted for "too fast for conditions".

[jakeroot]

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but here's my thoughts on police and snow.

I think police should just patrol as usual. Police parked in the median (even if they're just observing drivers (no radar)) creates trepidation, which can cause drivers to over-react to the situation (i.e. panic brake) because they think the police are doing radar; even if said driver isn't speeding, they may brake just in case. Panic braking in snow can lead to a skid or slide, which could be dangerous.

If I were an officer, I would just patrol the streets and assist those who were stuck or need help shoveling. Just be a Good Guy Greg.

[gonealookin]

I do drive in snow enough, and my observation is that they have their hands full at accident scenes, motorist assistance or some other aspect of traffic control.  If they get a report of a reckless driver they will try to track that one down.  The routine sitting along the road with a radar gun is set aside for those higher priorities.

[kphoger]

In the northern states I've traveled in during the winter, the highway patrol like to sit in the median crossovers.  Those crossovers are plowed pretty well during the winter months, so it doesn't seem to deter them at all.

[kalvado]

In the northern states I've traveled in during the winter, the highway patrol like to sit in the median crossovers.  Those crossovers are plowed pretty well during the winter months, so it doesn't seem to deter them at all.

One of the things about crossovers - they may used for reasons other than speed trap. Like emergency vehicles turnaround - and that alone is a good reason to keep them clean.
Maybe not that important in the city, but definitely something to consider when ambulance needs to return to hospital and next exit is 10-20 miles away..

[cl94]

On Friday, I saw quite a few cops along the Thruway sitting in the snow running radar, so no, it doesn't deter them one bit.

[kalvado]

On Friday, I saw quite a few cops along the Thruway sitting in the snow running radar, so no, it doesn't deter them one bit.

I got an impression that k-band is running pretty much all the time for smart asses like we are, and they have something better for actual speed when hunting.

[cl94]

On Friday, I saw quite a few cops along the Thruway sitting in the snow running radar, so no, it doesn't deter them one bit.

I got an impression that k-band is running pretty much all the time for smart asses like we are, and they have something better for actual speed when hunting.

You'd be surprised. Most of the people they get blow past them. They don't care as much if you slam on the brakes because they know you're paying attention. Almost everyone I witness getting pulled over is going 15+ over past a cop and the cop is usually visible.

But yeah, bunch of cops south of Catskill sitting 10-20 feet off the shoulder.