WA - Seattle Area

Isnt this just VASCAR? Could they use this for speed enforcement?

WSP To Use New Technique To Bust Drunken Drivers

POSTED: 7:18 am PDT May 25, 2007
UPDATED: 7:31 am PDT May 25, 2007

EVERETT, Wash. -- The Washington State Patrol said it will be using a new technique to crack down on drunken drivers this weekend.

Authorities said the technique has never been used before.

Using aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared Radar, police can see real-time live video of cars on the ground.

Police said specially equipped airplanes, video feed and troopers on the ground will all work in tandem Memorial Day weekend to help stop people from driving under the influence.

The State Patrol showed KIRO 7 Eyewitness News the FLIR in action last month.

Authorities said the public plays an important role in DUI crackdown and encouraged drivers to call 911 if they think they see an impaired driver.

Police said information received about possible drunken drivers will be relayed to troopers in a plane who will then track the driver and send live video to a command center.

Troopers on the ground can then move in to make an arrest if necessary.

The emphasis patrol will be on Interstate 5 in Snohomish County.

The State Patrol said they hope the program will result in no fatality crashes this weekend.

Thanks for posting this. Looks like the aggressive driver, drunk driver, etc enforcement is to be stepped up significantly starting this Memorial Day weekend. However, this FLIR is more for night time tracking.

I wonder if the FLIRs operate in the 904nm range and mess with us. Jim?

Maybe if everyone would just cut down on their alcohol consumption, everyone would be much better off.