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Math Test
February 27, 2024
Hello and welcome to another fun filled installment of Traffic Tip Tuesday!
This one goes out to all my math nerds out there. Math can be confusing, confounding, and downright scary to some people. However, it is also vitally important in the world of traffic enforcement and crash investigations. This week, I want to throw some math facts your way which may help change some dangerous driving behaviors. So, sharpen those pencils, sit up straight, and put on your thinking caps. (All of this will be on the test).
Everything we hear about vehicle speed is in miles per hour. It is even on those gigantic signs that many people tend to ignore. However, for crash investigations we need to work in smaller units. Assume you are travelling at 55mph. Doing some quick math tells us that your speed is 80.3 feet per second. Those of you who are still following along probably wonder why this matters. Well, statistics have shown that sending or receiving a single text message takes your focus off of the road for about 5 seconds. This doesn’t even mean a long, complicated text. Something as simple as “I love you snuggy bear” from your significant other will take your eyes off the road roughly 401 feet. For reference, a football field is only 360 feet long. This means you are covering the length of M&T Bank Stadium without watching where you are going. And this is for ONE text. Now think about how many times you have seen someone typing essays while furiously driving down the road.
We all know that texting is dangerous, but hopefully this quick math lesson puts into a little more perspective exactly how dangerous it can be. If you are a keyboard warrior, remember to put your phone away while driving or risk a fine of eighty three dollars. And if my wife is reading this, I will see you this evening, Snuggy Bear!
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
High Beams
February 20, 2024
If there is one thing I love, it is the hit song Blinded by the Light, which was written by Bruce Springsteen (A.K.A. The Boss). If there is one thing I hate, it is being blinded by the light: especially while driving! Let’s see what The Boss has to say about this dangerous driving behavior.
Using your high beams at night is a great idea when you want increased visibility. The projected light makes it easier to see Further on (up the road). However, they can cause real Trouble in Paradise for other motorists. Bright lights can cause temporary blindness, Sad Eyes, and confusion when shined directly in another driver’s windshield.
Not only is it unsafe to shine your high beams Out in the Street, but it is also a violation of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Law. In fact, you can receive a 60 dollar fine if you fail to lower your high beams within 300 feet of a vehicle you are approaching from the rear. This fine increases to 70 dollars if you do not lower your high beams within 500 feet of approaching another motorist from the front.
Speaking of bright Party Lights, you may think that using bright aftermarket lights on your Pink Cadillac is a good idea, but it isn’t. The citation for glaring and dazzling lights is also 70 dollars.
Whether you have trouble seeing or just want the added visibility while you Drive All Night, be sure to lower your high beams when you are sharing the road with other motorists. You may think those lights are giving you a Brilliant Disguise, but in reality, they are causing trouble for everyone else. Besides, the last thing you want to do is cause a crash and have to sing “I’m on Fire”!
(How many Bruce Springsteen references were you able to find?)
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
Traffic Circle Tips
February 13, 2024
We hope you enjoy this special Valentine’s Day edition of Traffic Tip Tuesday (on a Wednesday!)
Love is a roundabout journey, full of unexpected twists and turns. But unlike your love life, navigating a traffic circle doesn’t have to be confusing or heart-stopping. This Valentine’s Day, show your love for smooth sailing and traffic safety by mastering the art of the roundabout!
Cupid’s Guide to Conquering the Circle:
- Yield your heart (and the right of way). Entering the circle? Remember, love means patience! Yield to traffic already inside, entering from your left. Think of it as giving others the space they deserve, just like you’d give your special someone a rose.
- Keep calm and carry on (slowly). Don’t speed up as you approach. Maintain a steady, gentle pace like a slow dance with your Valentine. Remember, smooth moves keep everyone safe.
- Signal your intentions (clearly). Don’t be shy! Use your turn signals to tell others where your love story is headed (when exiting). It’s like sending a flirty signal across the room, but with turn signals instead of winks.
- Avoid cutting corners (literally and figuratively). Stay in your lane as you navigate the circle. No need for dramatic shortcuts that could lead to a messy crash (and a broken heart).
- Exit gracefully (with a smile). Once you’ve reached your desired exit, signal again and merge smoothly out of the circle. Leave everyone behind with a positive impression, just like you would after a successful date.
Remember, love may be blind, but when it comes to traffic circles, a little awareness goes a long way. So, this Valentine’s Day, show your love for yourself and others by navigating the roundabout with confidence and care. Happy (and safe) 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
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