Q: A reader asked about our article discussing the California Highway Patrol’s new stealthy Dodge Durango SUVs that target reckless drivers on freeways.
We said police cars typically have a red light on them – that’s how people can tell it’s a legitimate law enforcement vehicle.
The reader said he didn’t see a red light on the Durango’s roof in the photograph in his newspaper.
“Did I miss it? I did see a blue light and a red light on the front of the Durango in the grill. Will this red light be on every time a person is pulled over? If I do not see this red light, should I not pull over?”
A: The new CHP Dodge Durangos feature forward-facing and side-facing emergency lights that aren’t mounted on the roof, said CHP Officer Ivan Sandoval, of the Inland Division.
He explained: “These lights are integrated into the grille, windshield and side panels for increased visibility when activated. When a CHP officer initiates a traffic stop, red emergency lights will always be illuminated, and drivers are required to safely pull over. The design allows officers to address reckless driving while maintaining safety and compliance with state law.”
Note that we never said the lights were always on the roof.
DMV employee speaks
We received this email from Department of Motor Vehicles employee Rosaura Marrufo in response to a reader’s complaint about a rude DMV worker:
“I read your article about the 70-year-old renewing their license. It is required for them to come in, not for the photo, but a vision test. Vision is so important when driving to prevent accidents. Many people try to cheat during the vision test. It’s crazy how many.”
“It’s hard to work at the DMV but I love it. I help people in more ways than they think. You can’t do much without an ID, let alone a license. Yes, it’s sad that an elder won’t be able to drive anymore but it’s for their safety and ours. I have many customers with health conditions that shouldn’t be driving and I take the proper steps to collect information to send to the appropriate department. Many people will hate me for it, but I’ve had family members come back and thank me. Many elders get into small fender-benders that don’t get reported, but if small fender-benders are happening, it’s not long until a big accident happens and then whoever renewed their license could also be liable.
“Many people hate us as DMV workers but I’d love for them to sit with me for a full eight hours and see everything I have to put up with.”