Muscle Cars Are Sheriff's New Weapon To Combat Aggressive Drivers

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol have teamed up to crack down on aggressive and speeding drivers this holiday season with the help of a secret weapon.

The sheriff's office has purchased some unmarked muscle cars, including 11 Dodge Chargers and five Chevrolet Camaros, with V8 engines to covertly catch speedsters in the act.

Since Jan. 1, 38 people have lost their lives in vehicle collisions on Hillsborough County roads.

During September, four Hillsborough County teens died in traffic crashes that could have been prevented, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

"In our Tampa Bay community, we are still seeing too many young adults - new drivers - being killed because they are recklessly and aggressively driving," Chronister said. "As parents, let's have that conversation and get them to slow down, pay attention and save their lives."

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, a joint operation was conducted on Interstate 75 and Interstate 4 using the new cars. Law enforcement made 319 traffic stops, issued 100 citations and wrote 220 warnings.

"Operations like this are extremely important. We hope it modifies individuals' driving patterns, so they don't hurt themselves or someone else," Chronister said.