Sgt Jerry Eaton

School Bus Violations

November 12, 2024

Welp, I hoped that I wouldn’t need to write on this topic again so soon, but the motorists of Harford County have spoken. Since the first day of school this year, our Automated School Safety Program has issued 1228 violations for drivers passing a school bus that was stopped with the red lights activated. Let’s take a few moments for some friendly reminders when it comes to school bus safety.
First, anytime a bus is stopped with its red lights activated, Maryland law requires ALL vehicles to stop at least 20 feet prior to the bus. This means, if you are approaching the bus from behind, you must stop 20 feet back. If you are approaching towards the bus from the other side of the street, you must stop at least 20 feet before the front of your vehicle is even with the bus.
Second, the only time you need NOT stop is if there is a physical barrier between the travel lanes of the road. This could be a concrete barrier (A.K.A. “Jersey wall”), a raised median, or a grass culvert. The painted lines on a roadway do not count as a physical barrier.
Finally, ALL vehicles on the road must stop regardless of how many lanes there are. Many of our “hot spots” involve multi-lane roads. In fact, our biggest problem area is on Rte 543 just south of the Bel Air Bypass. There are multiple lanes of travel in each direction, but no physical barrier. If you are anywhere on this section of road and the bus is stopped with red lights activated, you must stop.
It is vitally important that we all do our part to keep our kids safe. This is especially important when they are entering or exiting a school bus. The Traffic Unit will be doing their part by beefing up school bus enforcement efforts in all areas of the county. Remember, an automated citation is $250, but if a Deputy catches you in the act, the fine is $570 and could add 3 points to your driving record.
Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324

Deer Season

November 5, 2024

Holiday travel season is right around the corner. This week I want to talk about some of the other critters who are also traveling during this time of year. The height of deer season in Maryland is October through November. Let’s discuss a few safety tips so you don’t end up with a 250 pound hood ornament.

Always remember, “never steer for deer.” Deer are unpredictable and will change directions quickly. If a deer steps into your path, use your brakes and try to not change directions abruptly. You are safer if you continue straight and come to a stop (one of a million reasons to follow posted speed limits).

If you see one deer, assume there are more. Male deer are aggressively looking for female deer this time of year. Many of these males don’t bother to take the time and look both ways before crossing the road while following their ladies.

Finally, if you find yourself driving with your headlights on, use your high beams any time it is safe to do so. Deer tend to feed at sunrise and sunset. Bright headlights will make deer easier to spot.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org

Temperatures and Bike Safety

October 22, 2024

It’s that time of year when the weather simply can’t make up its mind. It is 35° in the morning and then 75° in the afternoon. It’s also the time of year when motorcycle riders are trying to squeeze in those last few miles before they pack their bikes away for the winter. This week I want to go over some basic motorcycle safety tips for my two-wheeled friends out there.

First, your ride starts before you even get onto your bike. Make sure you’re doing your pre-ride checklist to ensure that everything on your motorcycle is in proper working order. You don’t want to have to deal with an emergency part way through your ride. All my riders know what T-CLOCS stands for. Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, Stands.

Make yourself visible. I can’t tell you how many crashes I have investigated where a vehicle driver told me that they didn’t see the motorcycle. Bright colors during the day and reflective clothing at night is a must.

Wear appropriate gear. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, leather jacket, gloves, sturdy pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Studies how that 80% of all motorcycle crashes result in serious injuries or death. The right gear can go a long way to keeping you safe.

Finally, don’t let the fall weather ruin your ride. Wet leaves on the road can be as slick as ice. Also, with the sun hanging so low in the sky, it is easily to becoming blinded while riding of into the sunset.

So get out there, ride safe and enjoy the last few weeks of nice weather before winter rears her ugly head.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org

Fall Reminders

October 15, 2024

This week for #traffictiptuesday I want to LEAF the puns behind and FALL Into some basic driving tips. Grab your pumpkin spice latte, buckle up, and get ready to brush up on some safe driving tips for autumn.

Watch out for leafy camouflage – those sneaky wet leaves can hide potholes or make roads slick as ice. Don’t let them trick you into a slippery surprise.
The days are getting shorter, but your patience shouldn’t be. Keep a safe distance, especially with reduced visibility during dusk and dawn. Remember your sunglasses. The sun is hanging lower in the sky which can make it very difficult to see in front of you.

Don’t let the beautiful fall colors distract you from the road. You should save the sightseeing for when you’re not behind the wheel.

Remember, morning fog isn’t a spooky Halloween special effect. It’s a driving hazard. Slow down, leave more distance from the car in front of you and use your low beams to navigate safely.

Stay frosty (but not literally). Cold weather is right around the corner. Watch out for icy patches on these particularly cold mornings, or you might find yourself performing an unintentional pirouette in your car.

Deer and other animals are on the move, so keep an eye out for these woodland friends. They don’t know the rules of the road, and even if they did, I am not sure racoons really care where the cross walks are.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org