The Impact of Eliminating State Highway Patrols on Road Safety

Imagine a world without state highway patrols. What changes would we see on our roads? The answer is quite troubling. With no dedicated law enforcement officers to monitor and enforce road safety, carnage could reign supreme. Roads would become even more dangerous as drunk drivers, drug users, and unsophisticated drivers with firearms would roam freely. Highway patrolmen are not just a nuisance; they are essential for ensuring road safety.

The Risks Posed by Eliminating Highway Patrols

Drunk driving and drug use on the road is already a significant issue. Adding to the equation are individuals who casually shoot at others for no reason. Additionally, there are drivers who refuse to adjust their behavior to changing road conditions. These behaviors would proliferate if there were no recognizable authority enforcing proper conduct.

Highway patrolmen are there for a reason. They protect lives and maintain order on our roads. They are often faced with difficult and dangerous situations, yet they do it with professionalism and dedication. It is important to recognize and respect their contributions to road safety.

The Example of Montana

Montana provides an interesting example of how highways can remain safe without a maximum speed limit. Until 1974, Montana had no set maximum speed limit, yet they still relied on state troopers to maintain reasonable speed limits. During that time, there were fewer aggressive drivers and fewer serious accidents due to high speed.

However, imagine a scenario where Montana had no state highway patrol. Aggressive drivers would likely challenge the current road rules, leading to more dangerous and risky driving behaviors. This could result in more accidents and fatalities, especially given Montana's higher speed limits on freeways (up to 75 mph). The lighter traffic conditions in Montana might make these higher speed limits tolerable, but the increased risk would still be significant.

The Potential Consequences of Loss of Highway Patrol

Without state highway patrols, there would be no one to review accident scenes and determine fault. This would lead to insurance companies increasing premiums due to the higher number of accidents and greater damage caused by speeding. The lack of consistent coverage and policies by county patrols would also lead to more cases of subpar service and aggressive policing motivated by revenue generation.

Without dedicated highway patrolmen, the number of road fatalities would likely increase. These officers play a crucial role in preventing traffic accidents by enforcing speed limits and ensuring drivers follow traffic laws. While speed can be exhilarating, it can also be a deadly force. Highways need to be controlled to prevent drivers from killing each other with their gas pedals.

Conclusion

State highway patrols are a vital component of our road safety infrastructure. They ensure that drivers follow the rules, prevent carnage, and maintain a safe driving environment. It is crucial that we recognize and respect the contributions of these dedicated officers. Attempting to abolish or underfund their positions would be a mistake that could lead to a dramatic increase in road accidents and fatalities.

Keywords: state highway patrol, road safety, accident prevention, law enforcement, traffic safety