Police Chase Carnage, How Do We Stop It?

Automologist MAC enjoys car chase videos on Youtube a little too much, so much so that he has some ideas he’d like to propose…

There is a fascination with police cars chasing down villains. In the United States of Americaland, local news will cut into scheduled broadcasts when their eye-in-the-sky latches onto one. The thrill of the chase captivates, but rarely does the suspect get away. In fact, more often than not, they end up going to hospital either on a gurney or in a body bag. The driver that runs must have seen the shows. They cannot really expect to get away so, why do they do it? And how can society put an end to so much highway carnage?

Police chases have long been a thrilling staple of action movies and TV shows, captivating audiences with high-speed pursuits and adrenaline-pumping moments. However, the reality of police chases is far from glamorous. These pursuits often lead to serious injuries, not only for the individuals being pursued but also for innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.

Having watched about a day’s worth of car chase videos involving the Police, most of which came from Americaland, I would like to offer my comments on the subject. So, what causes the injuries?

1. Reckless Driving: It sort of goes without saying that the primero-uno cause of the carnage is reckless driving. During high-speed pursuits, both the suspect and the police officers involved often engage in reckless driving behaviours, such as speeding, running red lights, and weaving through traffic. These actions increase the risk of collisions and injuries.

2. Lack of Training: In some cases, police officers may lack proper training or clear protocols for conducting pursuits. Without the necessary skills and guidelines, officers may make impulsive decisions that endanger themselves and others, leading to avoidable injuries. In most cases, though, it is the lack of training or skills of the ‘perp’ who simply has no experience at high-speed driving whilst being chased.

3. Suspect Behaviour: The actions of suspects being pursued also contribute to the occurrence of injuries. Desperate to escape, they may drive aggressively, causing accidents that harm themselves or innocent bystanders.

4. Intoxication: It would seem that a lot of the ‘perps’ are either drunk or under the influence of some other substance, which probably diminishes their ability to assess their ability to escape from a trained law enforcement officer.

Running from the Police is DUMB. You will end up facing a whole bunch of additional charges but, of course, may also end up severely injured or DEAD. Sometimes it is the innocent bystander or the police officer doing their job who can come off the worse. The cost of the chase can also be high, with damage to personal property and government equipment, and also the cost of long-term medical care should anyone have a life-altering injury.

With modern technology, surely there is a way to reduce the need to chase a ‘perp’.

1. Improve the Training and the Equipment: Law enforcement agencies constantly train officers, but how about upgrading the cars they are in? Most police cars are modified but are just saloon cars. How about designing a car just to be a pursuit car? Yes, I am thinking Mad Max style.

2. Find Alternative Methods: GPS tracking devices and vehicle immobilization systems can provide law enforcement with alternatives to high-speed chases. These tools can help officers track suspects and apprehend them in a safer manner, reducing the risk of injuries. Trouble is, this is too “Big Brother is Watching You” for me.

3. Public Education: It still amazes me that ‘perps’ try to run. Haven’t they seen the videos? They nearly always end in tears. Police authorities should publish footage of chases and then give details of the extra gaol time received for being a silly boy. Perhaps this would deter all but the truly stupid.

The Dubai Police have gone a slightly different way. Yes, that is a Bugatti in the front being followed by a Ferrari and Bentley.

Police chases may appear exciting and glamorous, but the reality is that they pose significant risks to both suspects and innocent bystanders. But for now, I will enjoy them on Youtube.