Gray Column: State police just doing their jobs

One of the most frustrating things about commuting these days are violators. That being people who get on the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes without have the three drivers required.

So when I heard that the Virginia State Police (VSP) was cracking down on HOV violators I was pleased. Not because I like seeing people get tickets, but it is always good to keep the HOV lanes open
for those who deserve to be there.

Not only were VSP efforts good for stopping violators but also for safety reasons. Apparently the police arrested someone for driving under the influence on the lanes as well. That is especially dangerous
because people tend to lean a little harder on the gas peddle when on the HOV. And yes, speeding in general is an issue as well.

But last Wednesday, when VSP conducted their HOV patrols, speed wasn’t the issue. There were a lot of complaints that the police activity was slowing down the flow of the lanes. Things were rather
stacked up, but it turns out the back up wasn’t from the police. It was from people in the HOV lanes looking at a crash in the opposite lanes — something I wish could also be considered an HOV
violation, but I digress.

But to be honest with you, even if the backup had been caused by police activity, it would have been worth it. I can remember many times when VSP road checks had cars back up getting on the HOV
lanes. I find nothing wrong with this. At least we know they are making an effort to catch violators.

Everyday I see people sneaking onto the lanes normally with just the driver in the car. Most days there are not enough of these drivers to cause a backup but nevertheless, fair is fair. Plus there are the
rare occasions when the lanes are rather backed up and you do see a significant number of violators in the mix of traffic.

This especially happens during this time of year in the afternoon hours. Around 5 p.m. it starts getting dark and harder to point out HOV violators.

I can even remember a few years back seeing someone with two manikins in their car dressed to look like riders. I kid you not; I really did see this.

But for even the occasional violator who doesn’t go to that extent, he or she needs to be stopped.

The HOV lanes are the only thing that can be pointed to as a real success in combating traffic congestion on Interstate 95. For those folks unwilling to pick up slugs or find carpoolers willing to ride, there
really is no excuse.

True there are probably more clean fuel cars on the HOV that contribute to traffic than violators, but at least they are legal — for now.

So if seeing the police on I-95 making frequent stops or slowing down access points frustrates you, don’t blame the police, blame the violators. Think of it like this: If it weren’t for people misusing the
HOV, there would be no need for increased VSP patrols.

Also keep this in mind: If you think their job is hard now and slowing down the traffic, imagine what things are going to be like when the VSP has to sift out HOV violators from those who are by
themselves but have paid a toll to be on the lanes. I am sure someone smarter than I is working on a solution to that problem — at least I hope so.

Davon Gray works in Washington and resides in Woodbridge. Contact him at davongray@verizon.net.