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Car Crashes
August 8, 2023
This week members of the Traffic Unit are training the recruits of Entrance Level Class 38 on how to respond to a motor vehicle crash. Patrol Deputies respond to dozens of motor vehicle crashes every day. In fact, in 2021 law enforcement officers in Harford County responded to 3,256 vehicle crashes. Once the recruits are out on the road it is important know exactly what to do when dispatched to a crash. “But Sergeant Eaton, I’m not a police recruit. Is there anything I can do if I witness a car crash?” I am glad you asked! Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, whether you’re involved or not. If you see a car crash, it’s important to stay calm and follow these safety tips:
- If the entire roadway is blocked, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. This will help to warn other drivers and keep you safe.
- Call 911 immediately. Even if there are no injuries, it’s important to report the crash to the police.
- Stay at the scene until the police arrive. This is important for your own safety and to help the police investigate the crash.
- If there are injuries, check on the people involved and render aid if possible. If you’re not trained to give first aid, call 911 and wait for help to arrive.
- If the crash is serious, or if anyone is injured, don’t move any vehicles or people unless it’s absolutely necessary. Moving vehicles or people can complicate the investigation and make it more difficult for the injured to receive medical care.
- If you have a dash cam, turn it on and record the scene of the crash. This footage can be helpful to the police investigation.
- If you witness the crash occur, be prepared to give a statement to the police. This includes providing your name, contact information, and your account of what happened.
- If you’re injured in the crash, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
Following these tips will go a long way to help keep you and those around you safe during and after a crash. If you would like more detailed information on what to do, you can contact our recruitment office about a position in EL-39. Tell them Sergeant Eaton sent you!
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
@hcsotrafficsgt
Good Drivers and Bad Drivers
July 25, 2023
Most of us drive every single day. Some of us drive for a living. Some of us only drive occasionally. Others may only drive when they have the urge for a Dairy Queen hotdog with fries. Some people have been driving for several decades and some younger drivers have very little experience at all. One thing most people have in common is that many of us consider ourselves “good” drivers. A good driver can avoid distractions. They can make a plan before getting behind the wheel. A good driver can always be counted on to take their time and not drive aggressively. However, there is one thing a good driver can not do. A good driver cannot control the actions of the bad drivers who are sharing the road.
Bad drivers are those folks who speed, tailgate, or weave in and out of lanes. Aggressive drivers are responsible for nearly one third of all traffic crashes. This is why defensive driving is so important. Never think you can predict what other drivers will do. Be cautious at intersections, even if your light is green. Scan 12 to 15 seconds in front of you, so you don’t have to slam on your brakes. Watch your mirrors, so you know where cars are around you. Keep your eye out for an alternate path of travel (such as a shoulder), in case yours is suddenly blocked. If you stay focused on the task of driving and remain alert (don’t drive impaired or while sleepy), you will be to stay in control and hopefully avoid any hot dog wielding maniacs.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 1074 violations have been observed and cited. Do your part to keep that number from growing.
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
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram
Summer Travel Safety Tips
July 18, 2023
After what feels like 3 consecutive months of rain and Canadian smoke screens, summer is finally here. I know you’re all excited to get out there and hit the beach. But before you pack your speedos, cheese sandwiches and swim fins, here are a few simple reminders to help keep you safe.
First and foremost, buckle up. It’s the law, and it could save your life. In fact, seat belts reduce the risk of death by up to 50% in a crash.
Second, don’t drink and drive. This is a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, making it much more likely that you’ll get into a crash.
Third, be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the road, the other cars around you, and the pedestrians. Don’t text or talk on the phone while you’re driving.
Fourth, slow down. The speed limit is not a suggestion. Driving too fast is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.
Fifth, take breaks. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a nap. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
And finally, have fun! Summer is a great time to go on road trips, so enjoy yourself. Just be sure to do it safely.
Here are some additional tips for safe summer travel:
- Check your car’s tires and make sure they have plenty of tread.
- Do not bring a live kangaroo (they are notorious distractions)
- Bring a first-aid kit and flashlight.
- Do not pick up any hitchhikers unless they are Taylor Swift
- Be prepared for bad weather.
I hope these tips help you have a safe and enjoyable summer. And remember, if you see something, say something. Especially any hitchhiking kangaroos.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 1012 violations have been observed and cited. Do your part to keep that number from growing.
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
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram
Drowsy Driving
June 27, 2023
How many times have you been winding down at the end of a long day, trying to relax for a few moments when BLAMMO, your head pops up and you feel disoriented, and you can’t even remember having fallen asleep in your favorite comfy recliner. Now imagine the same thing happens except this time you are behind the wheel of your car!
Driving while sleepy, or “drowsy driving” is much more dangerous than most people realize. The National Sleep Foundation and many other industry experts recommend adults get 7-8 hours of good-quality sleep in every 24-hour period. With work, families and video games, this is much easier said than done. Most people are lucky to get 5-6 hours of sleep per night. The problem is that, when we are sleep deprived, we are prone to slow thinking, confusion, and poor judgement. There is a reason these symptoms might sound familiar. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sleep deprivation mimics alcohol intoxication. Being awake for 17 hours is like having a blood alcohol content of 0.05. 24 hours of non-sleep is like a BAC of .10 (above the legal limit of .08). In fact, over the past 5 years 5000 Marylanders have been injured and 55 have been killed because of drowsy driving crashes.
If you are starting to get sleepy, either take a nap and leave later, or have someone who is more awake and alert drive you.
https://www.thensf.org/…/National-Sleep-Foundation...
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 991 violations have been observed and cited. Do your part to keep that number from growing.
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
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram
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