Imagine a cop desperately trying to stop a criminal from endangering lives while he speeds down the interstate. The suspect is willing to risk everyone elses life to avoid further punishment at the hands of the law. Now, it's his turn to risk something.

The speed ramp, an idea which I'm blatantly stealing from discussions I've had with a friend, is really quite simple. In dangerous pursuits, involving 2 or more police cars*, the cops can trigger a section of highway about 20-30 feet in front of the criminals to pivot upwards and to the right. The criminal's car hits the ramp, which seems to appear out of nowhere, and "ramps" off the highway into the ditch at speeds in excess of 75mph. Pursuit ended.

*Note that 2 or more police cars would be needed, because two trigger keys have to be turned simultaneously in two different cars to activate the ramp. This keeps the horrible power of a speed ramp from falling into the hands of a single man.
-- Arduen, Feb 26 2004

a) this would make highways cost billions more than they already do, to have the ability to swing portions out into nowhere b) i see massive pileups c) won't this kill the guy who's evading the police?

sorry, i'm grumpy today...
-- buddymatt, Feb 26 2004


ya, their are some bad, ideas that could use some good deletion around here.
-- dickity, Feb 26 2004


Ramps like this are constructed along US interstates on steep downhill slopes. They are designed to slow down run-away tractor-trailers who's brakes have given out. These ramps go up, then, the rig plops down in a sand pit. Neat looking, but scary if you have to use one.
-- 1st2know, Feb 26 2004


I know someone who accidentally drove into a truck arrester bed. Not pleasant. Especially the part about paying to get out again.
-- Detly, Feb 26 2004


Driver: I have to tinkle.
Co-Pilot: Just pull over on this ramp.
Driver:OK
<sound of car hitting sand bed>
Driver:I don't have to tinkle anymore.
-- 1st2know, Feb 26 2004


Captain Frack: "Check this guy out - every night about this time he speeds past this billboard."
Patrolman: "I don't think we should be doing this, sir."
Captain Frack: "Bah - he's doin' the crime!"
Patrolman: "But sir --"
<SMASH, KABOOM, CAR FLIES THROUGH BILLBOARD>
Captain Frack: " Damn! "
Patrolman: " Damn! "
-- Letsbuildafort, Feb 27 2004


That had to hurt....
-- normzone, Feb 27 2004


I don't think my car insurance carries a ramp clause ...
-- Letsbuildafort, Feb 27 2004



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