Missouri Troopers expanding use of ‘Ghost Graphic’ cars before July 4th

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Missouri State Troopers are preparing to roll out additional “ghost graphic” vehicles just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

As News-Press NOW reported last month, the reflective graphics on these patrol cars allow troopers to discreetly monitor aggressive or reckless driving on the roadways.

Officers have deployed these vehicles on a rolling basis ahead of major holidays in the past.

"Low-profile vehicles, that's exactly what these are, and they're a necessary enforcement tool for us," said Sgt. Shane Hux of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H.

Across Missouri, 10 vehicles with ghost graphics were deployed and put into service ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

According to MSHP, 10 additional vehicles will go into service before the Fourth of July weekend. Nine have already been deployed to the nine patrol troops across the state, and the remaining vehicles will be assigned to areas experiencing high numbers of complaints about reckless driving and crashes.

"We have one assigned for Troop H, to Andrew and Buchanan counties," said Sgt. Shane Hux. "That's where we're seeing a high influx of traffic as well as an increase in traffic crashes."

State troopers say they frequently witness drivers speeding past while distracted by their phones. The low-visibility vehicles have been helping troopers catch violators more effectively.

"It gives an officer the opportunity to witness other violations because the public becomes accustomed to our standard patrol vehicles," Hux said. "For example, when our first Dodge Chargers came out, they had very distinctive rear tail lights. So at night, people quickly learned to recognize them. It's beneficial for us to mix things up for the motoring public."

While some residents have mixed opinions about the addition of these vehicles, MSHP emphasizes that the goal is to protect public safety.

"More than 1,000 people lose their lives every year in Missouri due to motor vehicle crashes," Hux said. "If these vehicles can reduce that number even slightly, that's a good sign."

MSHP Troop H expects to have another ‘ghost graphic’ vehicle added to the area by the Fourth of July.