B737-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 213; Flight Crew Type 11000
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
As we were approaching Taxiway A; I observed two vehicles (in trail) approaching from our left perpendicular to our movement. It appeared they were not going to stop to give way. I began to slow (estimate speed at six to eight knots) when the vehicles stopped abruptly at the designated stop marker. I then continued my taxi and was approaching the vehicular road way parallel to Taxiway A when the vehicles accelerated toward us. Anticipating a collision; I retarded the thrust lever and applied the brakes. The aircraft stopped abruptly; but not harshly. I set the parking brake. The two vehicles also stopped; reversed quickly; and repositioned behind the 'stop' marker. The PM advised Ground Control of the incident while I queried the flight attendants about the cabin. The flight attendants informed me they were all seated during the incident and were okay. I took a picture of the vehicles from the cockpit but was unable to read the license plate. The vehicles were white Cherokees with dual amber lights on the roof (the lights were not on.) On the side of both vehicles was [a sign identifying them as commercial security vehicles.] The PM made a PA to the passengers informing them of the reason for the stop. [After landing] I spoke with the lead Flight Attendant after deplaning the passengers. He informed me one passenger mentioned she had some discomfort from the stop.
A B737-300 Captain had to brake abruptly for two; apparently authorized; SUV type vehicles crossing their path who initially failed to give right of way to the aircraft.