The reason is simple: lane splitting is dangerous. Drivers don’t expect someone to shoot between vehicles, which means blind spots, sudden lane changes, and door openings can turn a tight squeeze into a crash in seconds.

For drivers, when you see a motorcycle rider doing this, don’t panic, and definitely don’t drift over to “teach a lesson.” You should just remember the rules of safe driving. Signal before changing lanes, maintain a steady speed, and give them some room. A little patience beats an insurance claim any day.

For riders, remember that a few seconds saved isn’t worth a hospital visit or a day in court.

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

Vehicle maintenance – Before leaving, I examined our car. I changed the oil, checked the air pressure and tread on all four tires, topped off the washer fluid and made sure the windshield wipers are in good shape. The last thing you want to do is waste time fixing a vehicle breakdown when you could be at your destination enjoying some down time.

Proper load securement – Traveling with several people means lots of luggage. I used a roof top car carrier to transport most of our things. Before loading everything, I read the instruction manual to make sure the carrier was properly installed and all the bags were loaded correctly. Once it was packed and ready to go, I double checked to make sure everything was secure. The last thing I need is to have my underwear blowing all over the highway, causing a serious traffic hazard for the cars around me.

Pre-trip planning – The last thing I did before heading out was to check my travel route for bad weather, road closures, or possible detours. Planning ahead not only saves you time and fuel, it also helps avoid any unplanned problems along the way.

So, whether you are planning an end of summer trip, or want to make sure next year’s vacation is safe and enjoyable, follow these simple tips to ensure you get there safe and sound. Now if you will excuse me, I need to come up with an excuse to retreat back to our condo and get this sand off my feet.

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

Work crews have dangerous jobs, which can be made infinitely more dangerous when motorists choose not to pay attention. These men and woman are working just inches from moving vehicles and need to be focused on the task at hand.

Maryland Transportation Article 21.201.a1 tells us that if we fail to obey properly placed traffic control device instructions, we could be looking at a $90 fine and 1 point on your license. If your negligence causes a crash, the penalty jumps to $130 and 3 points on your driving record.

I know what most of you are thinking. “But Sergeant Eaton, what exactly IS a traffic control device?” I am glad you asked. In Maryland, a traffic control device is defined as any sign, signal, marking, or device placed by an authorized public body or official to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. That is a very broad definition for anything that helps to safely manage the flow of traffic. Examples of a traffic control device are speed limit signs, digital signs, road cones, traffic signals, painted lines on the roadway, and yes…even the worker holding the slow/stop sign near a work zone.

So, the next time you are making a Starbucks run and decide to rush through a construction area, remember that it isn’t just your insurance rates you could be hurting, it could also be a worker who is just trying to make your commute a little easier.

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

The first traffic circles (called “rotaries”) were developed in the early 1900’s. The first one was implemented in Columbus Circle in New York City. Throughout the 40’s and 50’s rotaries were rolled out (pun intended) all over the country. While they seemed like a good idea at the time, rotaries were eventually phased out. Early rotaries were humungous, sometimes up to 300 feet wide and were designed for high-speed navigation (45 to 50 miles per hour). At the time, people didn’t really know how rotaries worked. This led to lots of crashes and traffic congestion. In the 1960’s, using innovations from the United Kingdom, the modern “roundabout” was introduced. These were far superior to rotaries for several reasons. First, roundabouts are much smaller and designed for lower speeds. Second, unlike early rotaries, roundabouts are designed so that vehicles entering should yield to traffic inside the circle. (Fun Fact – The first roundabout in Harford County is still in use at the intersection of Tollgate Road and Marketplace Drive)

Believe it or not, the main purpose of a roundabout is not to reduce the number of crashes. They are designed to reduce the number of FATAL vehicle crashes. It is basic science: lower speeds mean a lower chance of serious injury or death in a crash. In fact, engineers from the State Highway Administration are currently in the planning phases of implementing a roundabout at the intersection of East-West Highway (Md Route 23) at High Point Road. This intersection is notorious for serious and fatal crashes. A traffic circle at this location will force drivers to slow down and yield to oncoming traffic.

Love them or hate them, roundabouts save lives. The next time you see one, be sure to yield, take your time, and be safe.

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