North Dakota’s Highway Patrol Cars: The Underdogs of the Open Road

When you think of North Dakota, a few things might come to mind: wide-open spaces, rugged badlands, and maybe even a hearty plate of tater tot hotdish. But one thing that probably doesn't pop up is the state's highway patrol cars. And it seems we're not alone in that oversight.

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According to a recent poll by the American Association of State Troopers, North Dakota's patrol cars ranked dead last in a nationwide popularity contest. With just 422 votes, it seems our trusty trooper cars aren’t exactly turning heads—or wheels—across the country.

But hey, we're not alone at the bottom of the barrel! Our neighbors in Montana didn't fare much better, landing just ahead of us with 465 votes.

Minnesota, usually known for its nice folks and cold winters, also had a bit of a cold reception, managing only 794 votes. I thought theirs would place higher considering the red and white paint job.

South Dakota, on the other hand, showed a little more road appeal, cruising ahead with 1,445 votes.

So, what gives? Maybe it's because North Dakota's patrol cars aren't decked out with flashy graphics. Or maybe it's just that our state troopers are too busy doing their jobs to worry about a beauty contest. After all, it's not the car that counts, but the dedication and professionalism of those behind the wheel.

Besides, in true North Dakota fashion, we're not too worried about the lack of recognition. We like to think of our highway patrol cars as the unsung heroes of the road—getting the job done quietly, efficiently, and without all the fuss.

If you're remotely curious about the state that has the nicest highway patrol cars, it's Florida. The Sunshine State racked up 24757 votes!

So, the next time you see a North Dakota state trooper cruising down the highway, give them a wave. They might not have the flashiest ride, but they’re steering us all in the right direction, and keeping us all safe!