Pennsylvanian State Police Officer... in REVERSE!

[471_Magnum]

Not sure if I should be impressed, or outraged:

http://jalopnik.com/5958563/why-is-this-state-trooper-driving-backwards-into-interstate-traffic-at-full-speed

[JB400]

I like the replies on down.  But, I can see it from the Troopers' view.  There is a concrete divider seperating the lanes and he has to get somewhere in a hurry.  It might have taken longer if he had to find an emergency turnaround, but this was quicker.  Dangerous and risky, yes.  But these guys and gals sometimes has to split second decision.

[bobs66440]

I like the replies on down.  But, I can see it from the Troopers' view.  There is a concrete divider seperating the lanes and he has to get somewhere in a hurry.  It might have taken longer if he had to find an emergency turnaround, but this was quicker.  Dangerous and risky, yes.  But these guys and gals sometimes has to split second decision.

Reckless in my opinion. Anything can happen. Blowout, minor mistake, anything. To hit one of the oncoming vehicles head on (or tail on) at that speed would most likely kill the driver and possibly himself. 

[471_Magnum]

I'm sure he was not on a joyride and he did it for a good reason. Seeing a car traveling that fast in reverse against traffic is pretty scary though.

That trooper must moonlight as a fork truck driver.

[hatersaurusrex]

Incredible to me is how he even got going that fast in reverse.   Reverse is only one gear in a tranny, and it's usually a granny ratio.    He had to have it totally pegged to make it anywhere close to highway speeds.   His rearend won't be happy later

[Troy]

In my experience, the PA State Police are some of the most dangerous I've ever seen. Every year on the trip to Carlisle I witness some stupid stunt that would get an officer fired instantly here in Ohio. Yes, I realize that I mainly travel on the turnpike and there isn't much maneuvering room - but that doesn't excuse unnecessary recklessness. A few years back one of them had backed down an exit ramp around a blind curve during rush hour traffic and was clocking people coming towards him on the highway. Yep, you guessed it, when a speeder came by (uh, that would be me in a pack of about 50 other cars) he floored it up the ramp, into oncoming traffic, and executed a 180 degree turn. I managed to pull off the side of the road just past the next exit and he wasn't happy about that because that's where he wanted to turn around so he backed down the highway and up the entrance ramp there as well. Other times I've seen them wedged into the area between the highway and tunnel support, on the outside of blind curves in the mountains, and sitting on the road at night with no lights on. I wonder how many of them get killed each year?

Troy

[JB400]

Well, these occifers are trained to drive this way.  I wouldn't mind taking thier driving class.  I'm one that favors a drivers' skill just as much as what he/she drives.

[Dino]

The officer might be trained in doing so, but the people on the highway are not.  I can't think of any emergency where it is okay to play with lives like that. 

[JB400]

As a civilian, your supposed to move over.  It's the law, at least in MO.

[Dino]

As a civilian, your supposed to move over.  It's the law, at least in MO.

It's the law the world over but it doesn't mention driving in reverse on the highway.  What happens if someone breaks down, does his best to guide his car to the shoulder right when the cop approaches?  Is the civilian at fault for not getting out of the cop's way?  I would hope not. 

Sorry, no matter how you look at it, no matter what the law says, that move is as dumb as it gets.

[Troy]

As a civilian, your supposed to move over.  It's the law, at least in MO.

You're supposed to move over for police cars in reverse? Yes, when you see lights on the road you should slow down and move over. However, how many people are prepared for those lights to be coming AT THEM at a high rate of speed. At 65 mph the closing speed is 130 - or 190 feet per second. That's why highways have dividers! I'm betting that a majority of drivers would overreact which is where the danger comes in to play. Not to mention, he's on the edge of the road - where all the junk, gravel, and glass collects. What's he going to do when there's a chunk of retread tire or a muffler laying there?

Troy

[JB400]

Yes, the move was dumb and the officer will probably get a slap on the wrist for it.  Either way, be glad that nothing bad did happen.

[derailed]

Thats about as dumb as they come right there.

[Ghoste]

One can only assume the officers radio was broken and the incident in the opposite direction was so serious that it was worth risking the life of that many public citizens (and it could have been).

[472 R/T SE]

He missed the Dunkin Donut exit and word was the last one there had to buy donuts.



I don't know how many of you have ever went really fast in reverse but it doesn't take much steering wheel play to spin that sucker around so you're heading the other direction.