Question for any CHP guys/gals...

[Carl]

Was just wondering where you guys got the ideal and concept behind the "traffic break" you all do.

I was behind a CHP officer about a year ago, before retiring from the Marine Corps, when I was driving home on leave, and he was on I-8 running a "traffic break".

Just wondering you all's opinion of it. I think it is awesome.

[SgtCHP]

Was just wondering where you guys got the ideal and concept behind the "traffic break" you all do.

I was behind a CHP officer about a year ago, before retiring from the Marine Corps, when I was driving home on leave, and he was on I-8 running a "traffic break".

Just wondering you all's opinion of it. I think it is awesome.

Traffic breaks, to control the speed of approaching vehicles, began in the 1950s as freeways and higher speeds become an issue. They are primarily used to give officers and DOT personnel the opportunity to clear the roadway of hazards safely. A side issue is, that when applied properly, traffic slows at an even speed and no accidents are caused upstream as faster traffic approaches slower traffic.

In the 1974 or 75, when speed throughout the nation was mandatorily reduced to 55 MPH, traffic breaks became a common effect as officers patrolled the highways at 55 MPH and the hard charging drivers were forced to slow down behind them.

I used to have a back up miles long as I commuted on my motorcycle from Los Angeles to my home forty miles to the East. When complaints were registered that I was holding up the traffic, the complainant was often told to slow down and they would not be caught up in the group. :D

[Carl]

Thanks for the feedback Sgt.

A classis Traffic Break:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Sx2VbVu15rU&mode=related&search=