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School Bus Safety Program
June 20, 2023
This week, I want to dedicate #traffictiptuesday to the school bus safety program. As of today, we are creeping up on 1000 violations which have been observed by the school bus cameras. This means that, in just 4 short months, nearly 1000 drivers have proceeded past a school bus while the red lights were activated. This becomes even more concerning when we remember that only 20% of the HCPS buses have cameras installed. I hate to think of how high that number will become once all the buses are outfitted with this important technology.
Remember; just because schools are off for the summer does not mean that laws go out the window. Traffic article 21-706(a) requires you to stop twenty feet from a school bus ANY time the alternating red lights are activated. This is regardless of whether there are students on the bus. While most kids are out for summer vacation, there will still be buses transporting children where they need to go. Do your part to keep them safe.
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
Father’s Day
June 13, 2023
With Father’s Day just around the corner, I want to take the opportunity to share a few random traffic safety tips for all the dads out there.
First, when you finish mowing those perfectly beautiful lines in your front lawn, make sure you avoid blowing the clippings into the roadway. Grass clippings can become very slick and cause a danger to motorcycle riders and bicyclists.
Next, if you are out shopping this weekend for new socks to wear with your custom Crocs, be careful around crosswalks. State law requires you to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Laughter may be the best medicine, but all the dad jokes in the world won’t help you if you hurt someone in a crash.
Finally, when your little one in the back seat tells you “I’m having trouble with my seatbelt”, right after you fire back with “Hi, Having Trouble With My Seatbelt…I’m Dad” take the time to help them buckle up before heading out. Wearing a seatbelt, regardless of where you are riding in a vehicle, is the single easiest way to stay safe in a crash.
To all the dad’s out there, have a safe and wonderful Father’s Day, and be sure to share these tips with your kids right after they finish mowing the lawn for you on your special day!
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 947 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 Vacation
June 6, 2023
As the old song goes, “No more pencils/no more books/ No more teacher’s dirty looks” Or, if you are more of a heavy metal fan, you may be singing “Schooooooool’s out for summer.” Either way, graduation ceremonies are winding down and Harford County Public Schools will soon be dismissing students for summer break. This seems like a good time to share a few reminders.
While you should always drive with caution in a residential area, it is even MORE important when kids are home. We all know that kids spend roughly 98% of their lives glued to screens, but occasionally, one will stumble outside by accident.
Remember to pay attention when driving near crosswalks. Maryland law requires you to stop anytime a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. PEDESTRIANS: Do your part by using those crosswalks and always wait for the “walk” signal before proceeding into the roadway.
Finally, be sure to always give at least three feet of distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. It is important that we share the road so everyone gets to their destination safely.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 876 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!
Cyclists and Stop Signs
May 30, 2023
This week’s #traffictiotuesday comes directly from a request from one of our regular readers. A local senior citizen who we will call Mrs. H. contacted me with a specific concern. Mrs. H. lives next to a four way stop sign. One day Mrs. H was sitting on her porch yelling incoherently at the squirrels, when she noticed a growing trend. Bicyclists were failing to stop for the stop signs. If you are one of the many cyclists who are taking advantage of the great weather lately, you need to be sure you are following the same rules of the road that motorists are (or should be) following. You can be issued traffic citations just the same as a vehicle operator. Failing to stop at the stop sign could land you a $90 fine.
We’ve all heard that motorists need to share the road with bicycles, but cyclists should remember to share the traffic laws, so no one gets hurt. The next time you stop completely at a four-way stop sign, look around for Mrs. H and give her a wave. She will most likely be out there wearing her hair curlers and thanking you for promoting traffic safety.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 821 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