Speeding or aggressive drivers may want to check their rearview mirrors for new, harder-to-spot state police cruisers.
On the Pennsylvania Turnpike and state roadways near Harrisburg, troopers are using 'slick-top' marked cars with less-obvious emergency lights.
'These slick-top vehicles are the 'Stealth fighters' of our marked patrol fleet and will be particularly effective in helping troopers identify aggressive drivers on congested highways,' said Paul Evanko, state police commissioner.
'Without the lights activated, these low-profile vehicles aren't as noticeable as marked patrol vehicles with standard lighting. But when the new light bars are activated, they quickly will gain the attention of traffic-law violators.'
The vehicles do not have traditional rooftop lighting bars. Instead, they are equipped with strobe lights - one bar above the front windshield and the other just above the back windshield.
Initially, six Ford Crown Victorias were put into use. Harrisburg's barracks are using three of the vehicles, and three others are assigned to barracks along the turnpike.
'This program and the use of these specially designed patrol vehicles will unquestionably improve and enhance safety on the turnpike,' said Turnpike Executive Director John Durbin.
Evanko said his department expects to field-test a series of new lighting systems on marked vehicles in coming months.
State police have almost 1,000 marked vehicles.
