Driving in the Rain

January 9, 2024

Raining Cats and Hydroplaning Dogs: A Guide to Not Wrecking Your Ride (and Everyone Else’s)

Okay, folks, the skies have opened up and Mother Nature’s doing her impression of a leaky showerhead. Let’s not turn the roads into a slip-and-slide nightmare.
Here’s your cheat sheet to surviving the watery apocalypse behind the wheel:

Slow down. Wet roads are like ice rinks for your ego. Treat the accelerator like you’re holding a tiny, grumpy chihuahua – gentle pats, not angry stomps.
Headlights on. Visibility goes away faster than your landlord when you tell him that your hot water heater is leaking. Don’t be the driver hiding in their own personal fog bank. Make sure others can see you.

Puddles? More like “personal hydroplaning playgrounds.” Deep water and your car are not BFFs. Steer clear.

Tailgating? More like “rear-ending someone while wearing a raincoat of shame.” Keep a safe distance. Remember, rain makes brake lights blurry and difficult to see.
Don’t panic, and for the love of all things dry, don’t slam on the brakes! Smooth and gentle is the name of the wet-road game. Panic attacks only make your car do the tango with physics.

Put the phone down. Texting and driving is bad enough in sunshine, let alone when you can’t see the car in front of you.

Remember, you’re not James Bond. Driving through flooded streets is not a heroic act, it’s just plain dumb. Your car is not a submarine, and neither are you (unless you’re Aquaman, in which case, carry on).

Bonus tip: If you see someone driving like they’re auditioning for “Fast and Furious: Monsoon Drift,” steer clear and wish them the best. You don’t want to be involved in a crash because you are trying to outpace an idiot with a death wish.

P.S. Don’t forget the floaties (just kidding…unless?).

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

Drunk Driving Arrests

January 2, 2024

This week I am going to change things up a bit. Instead of giving you fun facts, this week I am going to give you a serious number. That number is 344. In 2023, Deputies assigned to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office made 344 drunk driving arrests. This means that 344 times, someone had too much to drink and then made the poor decision to drive and was subsequently arrested. 79 of these DUI arrests were the result of a traffic crash. In addition to that, 8.3% of Harford County’s fatal crashes were alcohol related.

This has got to stop. One study estimates that only about 2-3% of drunk drivers are actually caught. This means that thousands and thousands of drivers are sharing the roadway with you and your loved ones under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In 2024, there are dozens of ways to get home safely. Ride-share programs, taxi services (yes, they still exist), friends and neighbors, public transportation. The list goes on and on.

Let’s all work together to make 2024 the year that we do our part to keep Harford County roads safe. If you are planning on drinking, have a plan. Remember, if you feel different you drive different.

I hope everyone has a SAFE and wonderful new 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

Fog Safety

December 26, 2023

Happy Day After Christmas. While yesterday’s weather was borderline perfect, this morning, many of us woke up to some pretty nasty fog. Driving in foggy weather conditions can present some unique challenges, but by following a few safety tips and using a little common sense, you can still get to your destination safely.

First thing’s first: Don’t be a speed demon. Fog is like a sneaky ninja, lurking around corners and hiding potholes that could turn your car into a bouncy castle on a bad day. Slow down and give yourself plenty of time to react to the brake lights of the car in front of you. Remember, slow and steady wins the visibility race.

Speaking of lights: Don’t be that driver who drives with his high beams on, turning the fog into a blinding disco party. High beams only reflect off the fog, making you see even less. Think of them as fog-amplifying lasers, not helpful headlights. Stick to your low beams, and let the darkness know you’re coming with a friendly, non-blinding glow.

Follow the leader (but not too closely): If you see taillights ahead, don’t play tailgater. Remember the “3-second rule”? In fog, triple it, then double it for good measure. You don’t want to be the one who rear-ends the car in front because you were too busy playing “guess the taillight color.” Trust me, it’s not a fun game, and the prizes are usually crumpled bumpers and insurance headaches.

Use your ears, not just your eyes: Honking your horn might seem like a good idea, but in fog, it’s like yelling in a library. It just scares everyone and makes you look like the impatient jerk who can’t handle a little whiteout. Instead, listen for the faint hum of engines or the crunch of tires on the road. These are your new best friends in the foggy world, guiding you like breadcrumbs to the land of clear skies.

And finally, remember: Fog is temporary. It might feel like you’re driving through a bowl of pea soup, but eventually, the sun will peek through and remind you that the world is still there, in all its glorious, non-foggy splendor. So, take a deep breath, put on your chillest tunes, and keep these tips in mind. You’ll be navigating the fog like a pro in no time. Just remember, when in doubt, channel your inner snail and take it slow. Happy (and safe) foggy driving!

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

Merry Christmas

December 19, 2023

You had better watch out, you better not cry. You had better not pout, I’m telling you why. #traffictiptuesday is coming to town. This week I am asking all of my regular readers for a personalized Christmas gift. I want you to avoid driving aggressively. The best gift a Traffic Sergeant can receive is a holiday season that doesn’t involve unnecessary crashes.

When driving this holiday season, remember to take it slow and steady, just like Santa’s reindeer on their Christmas Eve flight. Speeding won’t get you to your chimney any faster, but it could land you on the naughty list (and in some serious trouble).

So, share the road nicely with other drivers, keep your eyes peeled. You want to be alert and bright like Rudolph’s red nose. Not sleepy like some of the more lazy elves. Also remember to always buckle up tight, just like Santa in his sleigh. By following these tips, you’ll arrive at your destination safely and happily, ready to enjoy the holidays with all your loved ones.

Have a safe and merry Christmas!

Bonus tip: Remember, reindeer games are best left for the North Pole. Avoid distractions while driving, like texting or fiddling with the radio. Keep your focus on the road and enjoy the journey!

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