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Sam Penrod ReportingIf you drive the freeway a lot, you may notice a new look to the cars driving by Highway Patrol Troopers. The UHP recently switched to Dodge Chargers.
The new cars can go fast, 0 to 60 in less than six seconds; and they are also much more fuel efficient than the Crown Victorias that troopers have been driving for the last several years.
UHP troopers in Utah County are probably jealous right now of fellow trooper Jim Brierley, who is driving the only Dodge Charger in the Utah County UHP fleet.
Trooper Jim Brierley, Utah Highway Patrol: "I haven't talked to one yet who doesn't wish they had it."
The Highway Patrol announced a few weeks ago it was switching from the Ford Crown Victorias to the Dodge Charger. Equipped with a hemi engine, the cars have power.
Trooper Jim Brierley, Utah Highway Patrol: "This is a 5.7 hemi, 345 horse, the Crown Vics are probably two and a quarter, 245, something like that. Doesn't take long to get to the speed limit, and that wasn't a heavy acceleration, that's just normal on ramp."
Besides power and speed, troopers are finding other advantages. It's quieter and can easily maneuver in and out of traffic.
Trooper Jim Brierley, Utah Highway Patrol: "It's really great as far as acceleration. The quickness of it helps you get into traffic and catch people quicker, and merge from the shoulder."
This is the seventh patrol car Brierley has been issued in his career. Other than a Ford Mustang in the late 80's, this is his favorite.
Trooper Jim Brierley, Utah Highway Patrol: "This is my office, we work four ten hour shifts and I'm in and out of the car all day long on stops. Spend a lot of time in the car."
The cars are getting good reviews from other drivers too.
Trooper Jim Brierley, Utah Highway Patrol: "I had a guy in Salt Lake that pulled up next to me at a traffic light and when I looked over at him, he gave me a thumbs up and said, ‘nice car.'"
The UHP plans to phase in Dodge Charges for troopers all over the state, so we will be seeing more of these cars in the future.
