Courtesy of WisDOT

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin State Patrol plans to use aircraft and ground-based officers to enforce speed limits and other traffic laws in Marathon and Oneida counties “To enhance safety for all travelers,” a July 16 release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) said.

Aerial enforcement missions are planned for Saturday, July 18 along US 51 in Marathon County; Saturday, July 25 along I-39 in Marathon County; and Saturday, Aug. 1 along US 51 in Oneida County.

Most State Patrol aerial missions are made possible through federal funds specifically designated to support traffic law enforcement. The State Patrol analyzes data on traffic citations, crash reports and related information to identify highway corridors for enforcement initiatives.

“We often announce enforcement efforts like this to emphasize that the goal is public safety through voluntary compliance with traffic laws – not to stop or cite motorists,” said Captain Travis Wanless from the State Patrol’s North Central Region.

If weather conditions are unfavorable for flying, enforcement typically proceeds by using ground-based units.

State Patrol aircraft use a timing device known as VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) along with highway markings to determine vehicle speeds. When pilots detect speeders, aggressive or reckless drivers, they contact ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop. A WisDOT YouTube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=60MJmT5otB4&feature=youtu.be) highlights the role of the State Patrol’s Air Support Unit.