Pet Peeves

October 8, 2024

I’ll bet, if we are being honest, every one of us could identify some pet peeves that drive us crazy. Some people can’t stand it when other people use words like ‘supposably.’ Others of us want to fling silverware at diners who chew with their mouths open. And I am sure there are still a few more of us who are ready to explode anytime a coworker cuts them off, mid-sentence (I’m guilty). Well, here are a few of Traffic Sergeant Eaton’s personal pet peeves when it comes to driving behaviors.

• Passing on the shoulder. A great way to see me turn on my lights and give a big fat citation is by driving down the shoulder past a long line of cars to make a right turn at a red light. If there isn’t a deceleration lane, be still and wait your turn. Otherwise, you could end up with a $110 fine and 1 point on your license.
• Tailgating. Speaking of taking your time, nothing miffs my muffler more than a bumper pirate. We should always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of us. Trying to push the car ahead of you off the road is not only dangerous, but you are also likely causing undo stress to your fellow motorists. Not to mention the fact that your wallet will be $110 lighter, and your license will be 1 point heavier if you do this.
• Waiting until the last minute to merge – While this isn’t a direct violation of traffic law, it does make me want to come unglued. How many times have we seen the sign indicating that a lane is closed one mile ahead and some doofus decides to ride it out as looooooong as possible, only to whip over in front of you at the last possible second? The warning signs are there to give you ample time to prepare to merge without having to make things more hazardous for everyone else. Again, while this is usually not a specific violation, it could potentially cost you $90 and 1 point for an unsafe lane change.

So, what driving pet peeves do you have? Leave a comment below so we can all agree with one another while shaking our fists at the sky like a bunch of grumpy old men.
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

Reminder to Pay Attention

October 1, 2024

Pop Quiz: What do school buildings, crosswalks, and a raccoon playing the banjo have in common? Answer: You should slow down and pay attention when you see them.
Schools have been back in session, which means buses, pedestrians and a huge increase in vehicle traffic. Here are a few commonsense tips to make navigating the 2024-2025 school safer for everyone.

As I have said too many times to count. Slow down. No one plans on crashing their car, but if you do end up in a fender bender, the slower your speed, the less likely someone will be injured.

Pay attention to crosswalks and, equally importantly, pay attention to the crossing guards manning those crosswalks. Those stop signs on a stick aren’t just fashion accessories. Failing to obey the direction of a school crossing guard could land you a $290 fine and one point on your license.

Watch for school buses and prepare to stop when you see the amber lights. Those red lights are not far behind. A past Fast Fact Friday taught us that there were over 7300 school bus camera violations last year. Let’s all work together to drive that number down to zero.

Finally, for the kids. When you are walking to school, pay attention. If you have your face buried in a TikTok video, you aren’t paying attention to the vehicles around you. Plus, you may miss the opportunity to see a raccoon jamming out a musical instrument.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun school year!

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

National Child Passenger Safety Week

September 17, 2024

In spirit of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Traffic Sergeant Jerry Eaton is here to talk about child safety seats:

Hey there, parents and caregivers! Buckle up, because we’re about to talk about something super important: child safety seats. September 15-21 2024 is National Child Passenger Safety Week. We know you want nothing but the best for your little ones, and that includes keeping them safe and secure while on the road. Let’s dive into why using the proper child safety seat is so important.

First off, It’s the law: Most states require children under a certain age, height, or weight to be secured in a child safety seat. In Maryland, not using a child safety seat when required can result in an $83 fine, so make the safe choice and keep those kiddos buckled up!

Size matters: Adult seat belts are designed for, well, adults. When children are too small for seat belts, they can suffer serious injuries in a collision. Child safety seats are specifically designed to provide the protection and support that little bodies need.

Numbers don’t lie: Research shows that using the proper child safety seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by a whopping 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Perfect fit: Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster seats – there are so many options, and each one is designed to provide optimal safety at different stages of your child’s growth.

So, let’s all do our part to protect the precious cargo we carry in our vehicles. You can visit the Kids in Safety Seats for more information:

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/KISS/Pages/Home.aspx

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

Farm Equipment

August 6, 2024

This week, #traffictiptuesday is a request from my very good friend Peggy. She asked that I address farm equipment on county roads. Well, actually, Peggy did not ask me to write about farm equipment. She asked me to write about the motorists who drive aggressively near farm equipment.

Farmers are the backbone of our community. They provide the food we eat, as well as the lovely flowers I send to my wife from time to time. Sometimes, their important work takes them from one location to another. This requires them to drive their equipment on county roads. These large tractors are not built for speed. It is important that motorists take their time and give farmers plenty of room to operate. Tailgating, unsafe passing and screaming obscenities at some poor guy moving a load of hay only makes things worse for everyone.

So, the next time you see a farmer doing their job, show some patience and remember that they are directly responsible for your next meal. Now if you will excuse me, I need to run to the local florist. I just realized how long it has been since I sent flowers to my wife.

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