Are you ever driving on the road, and drive by a Black Ford Explorer, immediately assuming it is a cop and nailing the brakes? Well you are not alone-it happens to me almost every day.
I believe that it should be a crime to acquire and drive a Black Ford Explorer, and I think we should reserve those vehicles for police and law enforcement only.
I often wonder why people buy Ford Explorers. I truly think one reason for their purchase could potentially be because they want to feel a sense of control on the roads. Perhaps they have no control at home, and want some sense of power on the roads.
It is certainly interesting how specific vehicles can evoke certain emotions within drivers. The Black Ford Explorer seems to authorize some sense of authority with its rugged design. Moreover, it is not just about the car itself, it is also how society sees the car. More generally, SUVs have become a large status symbol in the US. They represent authority, respect and success. Perhaps these drivers seem to lean into that perception, fueling their feeling of strength and authority on the road.
Those on the road driving a Ford Explorer could perhaps be regular people, large families, or commuters. Yet they could also be striking fear and anxiety on others in the road, assuming the person driving the car is a part of law enforcement.
There is such an irony about the very presence of these vehicles. While most police officers are on a harmless quest, trying to keep the roads safe, drivers have a sense of immediate panic when passed by one. The officers’ underlying intentions are to overall make the world a safer place, but regardless of that we will always connect a Black Ford Explorer with the feeling of fear and anxiety.
Ninj • Mar 15, 2025 at 2:13 pm
No! It is absolutely not a crime to simply own a vehicle that is similar in color to law enforcement as that color can change from one state to another. It you were not driving over the speed limit then your fear of being caught would not have kicked in in the first place. Furthermore, it is not difficult to recognize a police vehicle versus a citizen’s. If you look at the plate it will tell you. In the mid 80’s to late 90’s I had a brown van that appeared to instill the same fear among some operators on the road. The van perhaps looked Govt. or police in that I had a slew of antennas on the roof. I was and still am an information junkie only today we have a different set of technologies to provide that information. I never once abused the similarities as I recognized and respected law enforcement. If someone changes lanes or slows down because of them noticing the vehicle, it is not up to the driver of that vehicle to show them how to recognize the differences. If the fear is present than perhaps a good self safety check is not a bad idea. If it is out of respect than still no harm has been done. Now it someone takes it beyond color, and places lights and other similar equipment on the vehicle like push bars to intentionally mimic public safety vehicles than yes it is a red flag as to wat that person is up to. Is it against the law? I don’t think so, but it is when you cross that line of impersonating an officer by starting to act like one.
Doug Putnam • Mar 14, 2025 at 2:29 pm
Idk, I think that if you haven’t done anything wrong, and aren’t currently doing anything wrong, then it shouldn’t matter whether you see a “police vehicle” or not. No need for alarm, however, if you have done something wrong or are in the process of doing something wrong, we’ll then, consider it a “tip” that you “could be”, in trouble. Way down Down south here it CT. I’ve seen troopers use Ford explorers, Dodge Rams, Mustangs, Buick Grand Nationals, So, if you only have to look out for Ford Explorers, maybe that’s a good thing. Don’t do bad stuff. They ARE the good guys after all.
Jim • Mar 14, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Sounds like it’s an issue you need to work out with yourself. A crime to own a black Ford Explorer I have news for you, they drive every make and model unmarked so looks like you’re riding a bike. Wave to a clue