The California Highway Patrol is lame, lame, lame.

I e-mailed them the following suggestion:

Hi,

Isn't it true that

(1) when you pull over someone for a minor infraction (like a headlight out), it's very possible that you could find
(a) someone wanted for a more serious crime
(b) evidence (usually in plain sight) of a more serious past or future crime

Isn't it true that

(2) things like broken headlights and tail-lights are a safety issue?

(3) fines for these types of offenses could drive revenue but are frowned upon by the general public who feel that they're being targetted?

I have a possible solution... "Vehicle Safety Month."

* You pick a month that's a ways off, like October.

* You begin promoting it at least a month ahead of time.

* You all the local police agencies across the state to participate. (Hey, who doesn't like the idea of added revenue?)

* You get involve the car parts business involved, by giving them a few months to learn about the program and get their own advertising in play
(like a billboard...
"Broken tail light?
CHP - $150
Burbank PD - $125
Glendale PD - $75
Get it fixed at AutoZone - $4.95. We'll even help you install it.
October is Vehicle Safety Month 2004"

* You get all the morning news stations to talk about it

The bottom line:
(1) We get safer roads with fewer cars with missing headlights and tail lights.
(2) You get added revenue from people too dumb to get their cars fixed ahead of time. (By advertising, you give yourself a legitimate reason to crack down without the public accusing you of anything.)
(3) The auto parts businesses do most of the advertising for you.


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Their response:

Every month should be a vehicle safety month. Your idea is interesting, but the CHP already takes action on minor violations such as broken headlights. We normally issue a fix it ticket which costs the violator nothing if it gets fixed within a specified time. Our goal is for safety. Thanks for your ideas.

Office of Public Affairs

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