04-15-2007, 09:31 PM
..like trying to explain math to a cat...
POMTL!
I've heard the Loud Pipes = Safety BS for- forever. Those riders just don't get it. Most of that type are poor riders otherwise, particularly when it comes to splitting lanes. IF they did it right in the first place, the imagined need for loud pipes wouldn't exist (as indeed it doesn't).
To answer the question:
Police usually have better things to do. Work is done on a priority basis. Even where there are assigned traffic units, they're often detailed to cover another officer, or handle more urgent calls. There are just not enough police to go around.
It's not easy to be where they're needed when they're needed. There are tons of moving violations [infractions] occurring every day. All of these must be on-viewed. A driver cuts you off, makes a right turn without stopping, makes a left turn from the lane closest to the curb, tailgates, etc. Unless an officer sees it, nothing can happen. And if a loud Harley or Honda rips down the street, what are the odds of a patrol vehicle catching it, even IF he's going the same direction? An officer on a bike has a better chance, but a lot of suspects like to run from the police. Some because they've got skeletons that will might be found, some because they just don't want a ticket. Loud pipes or loud music, catching a vehicle, especially a motorcycle isn't always easy.
And the number one reason: people don't call the police. They don't want to "get involved". They just complain to others. Call the police. Call the Chief or Sheriff. Write the Chief or Sheriff. E-mail them. Write the Editorials section of your local news paper. Have your neighbors call/write/e-mail them.
Don't waste your time with a dB meter. You won't be using it correctly so the results will more often than not be inconclusive and irrelevant, and possibly inadmissible (unless you can get the suspect biker to perform the required tests and measurements).
Ultimately, people do not want to pay for traffic enforcement. They don't want traffic enforcement because it will probably get them too. Police administrators faced with budget cuts don't view traffic enforcement as a priority since they don't have needed funds for it (because the public doesn't want to pay). In fact, write the City Manager since HE/SHE is all about the budget, far more so than Police administrators. And they hire/fire the Top Cop. Sheriffs are elected officials.
Sometimes Federal grants are available and that money has specific applications that are (usually) observed. Then the hammer is dropped and every driver stopped says stupid crap like:
1) Why aren't you out catching robbers and rapists?
2) Donut shop's closed?
3) That's CS!
4) What about the guys who??
5) I was just in the [HOV] lane only for a minute!!
6) I'm a great driver and can handle high speed just fine!
7) This is just about the money, ain't it??!
8) You just stopped be because I'm
But they're all guilty, and NObody wants to accept responsibility.
Until someone is badly hurt or dies, the public doesn't care. And even then a great many still don't. And because budgets depend on taxes traffic enforcement by necessity, is often based on actuarial tables.
Look how long it's taken MADD and others to get DUI to be taken seriously. Sure, blame the lag on cops, judges, lawyers, jurists, and lawmakers who drink. News flash- jurors drink too.
In the end, it's PEOPLE WHO ACT in a socially responsible manner that get laws changed, action taken.
People are horrified, outraged, and self-righteously indignant at incidents of alleged police brutality. And most of all, ignorant.
Yet let them vote for more money for police departments, for training and equipment? Nope.
I believe in Draconian traffic enforcement. Yes, it will increase revenue somewhat. But it will also save lives, reduce injury, and maybe even reduce "road rage" which would reduce the aforementioned.
Drive safely and have a nice day.
POMTL!
I've heard the Loud Pipes = Safety BS for- forever. Those riders just don't get it. Most of that type are poor riders otherwise, particularly when it comes to splitting lanes. IF they did it right in the first place, the imagined need for loud pipes wouldn't exist (as indeed it doesn't).
To answer the question:
Police usually have better things to do. Work is done on a priority basis. Even where there are assigned traffic units, they're often detailed to cover another officer, or handle more urgent calls. There are just not enough police to go around.
It's not easy to be where they're needed when they're needed. There are tons of moving violations [infractions] occurring every day. All of these must be on-viewed. A driver cuts you off, makes a right turn without stopping, makes a left turn from the lane closest to the curb, tailgates, etc. Unless an officer sees it, nothing can happen. And if a loud Harley or Honda rips down the street, what are the odds of a patrol vehicle catching it, even IF he's going the same direction? An officer on a bike has a better chance, but a lot of suspects like to run from the police. Some because they've got skeletons that will might be found, some because they just don't want a ticket. Loud pipes or loud music, catching a vehicle, especially a motorcycle isn't always easy.
And the number one reason: people don't call the police. They don't want to "get involved". They just complain to others. Call the police. Call the Chief or Sheriff. Write the Chief or Sheriff. E-mail them. Write the Editorials section of your local news paper. Have your neighbors call/write/e-mail them.
Don't waste your time with a dB meter. You won't be using it correctly so the results will more often than not be inconclusive and irrelevant, and possibly inadmissible (unless you can get the suspect biker to perform the required tests and measurements).
Ultimately, people do not want to pay for traffic enforcement. They don't want traffic enforcement because it will probably get them too. Police administrators faced with budget cuts don't view traffic enforcement as a priority since they don't have needed funds for it (because the public doesn't want to pay). In fact, write the City Manager since HE/SHE is all about the budget, far more so than Police administrators. And they hire/fire the Top Cop. Sheriffs are elected officials.
Sometimes Federal grants are available and that money has specific applications that are (usually) observed. Then the hammer is dropped and every driver stopped says stupid crap like:
1) Why aren't you out catching robbers and rapists?
2) Donut shop's closed?
3) That's CS!
4) What about the guys who
5) I was just in the [HOV] lane only for a minute!!
6) I'm a great driver and can handle high speed just fine!
7) This is just about the money, ain't it??!
8) You just stopped be because I'm
But they're all guilty, and NObody wants to accept responsibility.
Until someone is badly hurt or dies, the public doesn't care. And even then a great many still don't. And because budgets depend on taxes traffic enforcement by necessity, is often based on actuarial tables.
Look how long it's taken MADD and others to get DUI to be taken seriously. Sure, blame the lag on cops, judges, lawyers, jurists, and lawmakers who drink. News flash- jurors drink too.
In the end, it's PEOPLE WHO ACT in a socially responsible manner that get laws changed, action taken.
People are horrified, outraged, and self-righteously indignant at incidents of alleged police brutality. And most of all, ignorant.
Yet let them vote for more money for police departments, for training and equipment? Nope.
I believe in Draconian traffic enforcement. Yes, it will increase revenue somewhat. But it will also save lives, reduce injury, and maybe even reduce "road rage" which would reduce the aforementioned.
Drive safely and have a nice day.