More Cold Weather

January 21, 2025

I hope everyone is doing their best to stay warm this week. I don’t know who got on Mother Nature’s bad side, but she is clearly not happy. Below-freezing temperatures and icy winds are expected to continue into the weekend. Hopefully we will get a little relief soon, but in the meantime, here is a quick reminder for all of us.

When you are out shopping, or running errands, be sure to turn your vehicle off and lock the doors before leaving your ride unattended. If you think it is cold out now, imagine how much colder it will be when you are walking home because a thief stole your car while you were inside the store. Car thieves are opportunistic. They have been known to hang around convenience stores and shopping centers, waiting for someone to provide an easy target.

Even if your car doesn’t get stolen, is that Slupree drink really worth risking a 70-dollar fine and one point on your license for “leaving unattended vehicle without stopping engine, locking ignition and removing key”? (MD Transportation Article 21 1101a).

So, when you go out this week, remember to secure your car and your valuables. Also, if someone can call Mother Nature and apologize for making her so bitter, we would all appreciate it.

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

Winter Weather Safety

January 14, 2025

Imagine if you will, you are the Traffic Sergeant enjoying a relaxing day off with your dogs, when the phone rings. When I saw one of my sons’ names on the caller id, I had two thoughts. First, why was he calling instead of texting and second, what was he doing awake at 730 in the morning. As it turns out, Matthew was on his way to work this morning and was involved in a crash. As any good Traffic Dad would do, I went to the scene to make sure everyone was okay.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and outside of a couple of cars needing to be replaced, it could have been a whole lot worse. Like all vehicle crashes, this one was completely avoidable.

Let’s see what we can learn.

The at fault vehicle had a windshield that was coated in a large amount of salt, dirt, and grime. This was compounded by the early morning winter sun, hanging low in the sky. They made their left turn in front of my son. They never saw him coming. Be sure to keep your vehicle windows clean, especially in the wintertime when snow, ice and salt can easily obstruct your view.

When you are travelling in heavy traffic, it is more important than ever to take your time. Rushing to get somewhere despite other motorists on the roadway is a recipe for disaster.

They did everything right that a person can do after a crash. First, make sure no one was injured. Then they safely removed their vehicles from the roadway and called the police. When the officer arrived, they were ready with their licenses, insurance paperwork, and vehicle registration information. This helped the Officer efficiently gather everything he needed for his report, and get the damaged vehicles removed from the scene.

Thankfully this crash was not serious but is a reminder they can happen to anyone at any time.

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

School Bus Safety Fines

December 31, 2024

Normally for my final #traffictiptuesday post of the year, I ask readers to choose about one driving behavior they can change to be a safer driver. This year I am going to offer a challenge. In 2025, I would like to see everyone pay more attention to school buses on our roads.

This past year 6498 people drove past a stopped school bus while the red lights were activated, and students were either loading or unloading. This up from 5090 violations in 2023. Here are a few reminders when it comes to school bus safety

All buses are required to activate the amber colored warning lights for 100 feet prior to stopping. This is your opportunity to prepare to stop so you don’t get a $250 citation. Any time you see a bus on the road, pay attention and assume they will be stopping to deliver students.

As a driver, you are required to stop regardless of which direction you are travelling and regardless of how many lanes are between you and the bus. The only exception to this is if there is a physical barrier between you and the bus. This includes concrete medians, jersey walls, or raised islands (usually near crosswalks) in the middle of the road. A good example of this s on route 543 near route 1. This is a multi-lane roadway. When the bus stops in that area, ALL vehicles are required to stop, regardless of which lane they are in. In fact, this is the worst spot in the county for bus violations.

Many of us travel the same route on a regular basis. If you want to be extra prepared you can check the Harford County Public Schools website to see what bus stops are in your area and what time the bus drops off and picks up students.

Let’s all work together to make 2025 the safest year ever for our students and be extra vigilant when it comes to school bus safety
I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year. If you are celebrating this evening, be sure to plan for a safe ride home.

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

Christmas is almost here

December 17, 2024

HO-HO-Holy smokes, can you believe that Christmas is next week? It seems like it was just yesterday when I was giving traffic tips for safe July 4th travel. Let’s go over our annual list of smart holiday shopping tips.

First, take your time driving through parking lots and shopping centers. There will be a lot of pedestrian traffic as people (much like me) are rushing out to buy last minute gifts. In addition to watching for pedestrians, you also need to be extra careful navigating in and out of parking spaces. You don’t want to ding your sleigh because you weren’t paying attention.

When you are out stopping at multiple stores, be sure to keep your treasures out of sight. Locking your packages in your trunk, or covering them with a blanket, will deter would-be grinches from breaking into your vehicle.

Finally, it is more important than ever to obey all traffic laws. Stop for red lights, slow down, and wear your seatbelt. Lots of extra traffic means there are lots more opportunities to be involved in a crash. I am not sure many insurance companies will honor a claim that involves eight tiny reindeer.

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