Northern Illinois University police gives Prius glowing review
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The Northern Illinois University police department's vehicle fleet has transformed itself over the last few years from a standard Crown Vic dominated fleet into a fuel sipping fleet consisting of Toyota Prius hybrids. The NIU police started testing hybrids in 2004, and now hybrids make up eighty percent of the total fleet of vehicles. This has saved 4,500 gallons of fuel for fiscal year 2005 alone. The officers using the hybrids seem to have really warmed up to using them as well. Officer Marc Roocaforte, a supporter of the Crown Victoria police car, warmed up to the Prius quickly, calling it "the perfect car for the job." The Crown Victoria police cars average eight to ten miles per gallon, while the Prius replacement is getting forty miles per gallon, which is clearly leading to financial savings for the university. In 2005 alone, the switch to the Prius saved an estimated total of $15,828 in fuel costs. While the Prius can not keep up with the Crown Victoria as far as acceleration is concerned, this is not seen as a handicap for the model as high-speed chases are becoming a thing of the past.
[Source: NorthernStar Online]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Winsberg 7:26PM (9/14/2006)
As an alumni of NIU, I'll be interested to see how well the Prius handles the huge amounts of snow that can accumlate during the winter months. The Prius is low to the ground and the "snow ruts" many times freeze perhaps "standing" the Prius if it tries to use one that is higher than the bottom of the vehicle. NIU Police may want to keep a 4X vehicle available.
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tio 11:32AM (9/15/2006)
That is great! I know it is hard to get the Mocho good ol'boy mind set out of police. They always want big fast cars and trucks. Even when there is no need for it. 90% of the time city police cars are driven like everyone else does with some higher speeds to a call. Very few times do you need a high performance car. That car can be just a radio call away. Europe does fine with small cars. So can we.
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jon 3:36PM (9/15/2006)
I'm sorry, But I'd die laughing if I saw Police driving Priuses in a major city like L.A.
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