Proper Signage & Responsible SSP Usage

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by Andy

Laws are different in different States
but COMMON SENSE should always
be in check ALWAYS

Andy,

It does come down to using common sense in most cases. But also, each of us as SSP enthusiasts has a different definition of what activity is acceptable and what isn't. That's one of the reasons for this thread - to publicize that we need to be thinking all the time about how our actions are perceived by others. Perception IS reality.

Let's take an example. Some may view parking lot light shows as OK. I mean, we have the lights, so we might as well use them, right? Others (like most of the LEO members) would disapprove of civilians (or off-duty LEO's) using emergency lights in public settings which are not authorized (a parade or a car show are examples of an authorized situation).

It would be impossible for everyone of us to agree 100% of the time as to what activity is condoned and what isn't, but this open discussion may be of benefit to those who hadn't given sufficient consideration to the topic.

[Andy]

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by Andy

HAHA! Maybe you're right Andy. But at least we are getting the message out there.

[28HopUp]

Apparently the horse is not dead yet, so let me comment in no uncertain terms -

As SSP enthusiasts, EACH OF US has a responsibility to ensure that our actions are properly perceived by the public. These old police cars are not expensive toys that can be used without regard to local laws or common sense. If we see something in person or published online that is questionable, then ALL OF US should be willing to discuss the events in question. There is nothing wrong with debating topics important to our hobby, as long as the comments are respectful and are made within the parameters of the forum rules.

This isn't a matter of anyone in particular setting themself up as an enforcer of SSP etiquette. EVERYONE needs to be proactive, or situations will occur that lead States one by one to enact legislation that prohibits ANY marked/lighted former emergency vehicle from being registered. It's already happened guys, so unless you want these SSP's to become strictly trailer queens then you need to be vocal. It is the responsibility of every SSP owner to police our hobby!

Also, it goes without saying that positive examples of using our SSP's should also be recognized. Nice job at the track, Aaron! That's a very decent ET for a stock 5.0L, and I'm sure the crowd enjoyed the lights and siren.

[NoDrama43]

If someone criticized me about my conduct at a show and I disagreed with it, I would state my reason for thinking so as we are all entitled to our opinions. The raging, temper tantrum, lunacy going on in that feeding frenzy is just another indicator that they know they screwed up. All the banter is just an effort to rationalize, make excuses, and remove the focus from the issue.

Changing the subject, talking about "legal ownership", the lawyerisms, "quality" cars, and all the testosterone filled rhetoric isn't going to succeed in taking the focus off the issue that is addressed in the you tube video I posted. I am not going to let the focus of CONDUCT IN PUBLIC be overshadowed by whether or not I legally owned a car, or who led what parade 6 years ago. That is the purpose of this post, to restate the issue at hand, that I think is damaging to our hobby.

When a person watches the video, you can formulate your own opinion about whether you think it promotes our hobby in a positive or negative way. It is just that simple. Public conduct is the issue here. You either understand the importance of it or you don't. You either agree with me or you don't, that's your choice.

PS... Aaron.....I have ZERO issues with your conduct with your car on a racetrack. Be careful though. That is a pretty rare car and I know very well how Gregg Henderson feels after crashing his. I got a bunch of the parts off his 89 FHP car...

[ImEvil1]

Bottom line...the few that don't get it, aren't ever going to. The only ones doing any "enforcing" will be the local LEOs that I will not hesitate to call if I see inappropriate and illegal activity whether at a show, host hotel, or points in between. Not only will I call, but I'll request contact. I would encourage anyone else who sees this type of activity to do the same. Then, those who think they know the difference between semi-public and private property, who think that they can do whatever they want to with their "toys", can attempt to explain themselves to a "real" police officer.

I think we've put this message out loud and clear, and any further discussion is pointless.