Psst…Pierce County drivers! The Journal has a hot tip for you!

Actually, the Wisconsin State Patrol tipped us off, and asked us to tip you off, because they want our highways safe.

Aircraft could be seen monitoring traffic along I-94 over the weekend, with squad cars lined up on off-ramps to pull over speeders.

That initiative is coming to Pierce County July 30.

To enhance safety for all travelers, the Wisconsin State Patrol plans to use aircraft and ground-based officers to enforce speed limits and other traffic laws in Eau Claire, Jackson, Buffalo, Pierce and Washburn Counties. Aerial enforcement missions are planned for: Thursday, July 30 along WIS 35 in Pierce County Friday, July 31 along US 53 in Washburn County Saturday, August 1 along I-94 in Jackson County “We often announce enforcement efforts like this to emphasize that the goal is public safety through voluntary compliance with traffic laws – not to stop or cite motorists,” said Captain Craig Larson from the State Patrol’s Northwest Region. If weather conditions are unfavorable for flying, enforcement typically proceeds using ground-based units.

State Patrol aircraft use a timing device known as VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) along with highway markings to determine vehicle speeds. When pilots detect speeders, aggressive or reckless drivers, they contact groundbased units to initiate a traffic stop.