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New laser radar unit can target tailgaters

Officers from five law enforcement agencies gathered this week for a demonstration of the next generation of laser radar units. The demonstration was arranged by ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety.

The new radar units contain computer chips that can help officers identify not only how fast a car is traveling, but also the precise distance between cars.

“Officers report that one of the biggest causes of crashes in this area is drivers following too close,” said Mary Hunter with OHOS.

“Laser radar units are important tools used for speed enforcement by law enforcement patrol officers,” Hunter said. “The radar units are especially helpful in picking out one car in a group.”

She added that her office often provides funding for local law enforcement agencies to purchase the units, used by patrol officers to identify and cite aggressive drivers who speed or tailgate.

OHOS already has funded the purchase of one unit for field trials in the Nampa area. The new laser radar units cost about $3,700 each They are manufactured by Colorado-based Laser Technology Inc. and are being used by law enforcement in Colorado, Arizona and the Portland area.

Photo caption: Lance Martin, with Laser Technology Inc., demonstrates a new laser radar measuring device along State Street for law enforcement officers from Garden City, Boise, Meridian, Ada County and the Idaho State Police. Motorcycle officers parked their vehicles in the Office of Highway Operations and Safety lot at Headquarters (top photo).

Published 7-21-06