Eyes in the sky: State Patrol plans aerial enforcement Thursday along Madison Beltline

Pilots detect speeders, aggressive drivers

Site staff by Site Contributor

The Wisconsin State Patrol will have eyes in the sky Thursday for aerial traffic enforcement along the Madison Beltline.

When pilots detect speeders, or aggressive or reckless drivers, they contact ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop, according to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Throughout the year, the State Patrol will utilize aircraft and ground-based officers as part of traffic safety enforcement efforts across the state.

Officials said Thursday’s enforcement will be weather dependent.

“Aircraft serve as a valuable tool to help us identify speeders, aggressive or reckless drivers who compromise the safety of all travelers,” said Capt. Jason Zeeh, commander of the State Patrol’s DeForest Post.

Specially equipped State Patrol aircraft use highway markings and a timing device known as VASCAR to determine vehicle speeds, according to the release.

Many of the aerial enforcement missions are announced in advance via WisDOT’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

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