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Average Drivers vs Great Drivers
April 25, 2023
Every single day we see countless other drivers on our county roadways. Most of these people are average to above average-drivers. They can get where they are going without much problem. They obey MOST of the traffic laws. They can USUALLY back into a parking space without have to share their insurance information with anyone, and in some cases, they may even be able to parallel park without setting their car up on the curb. But then there are people like my good friend Jenee, who is a GREAT driver. Jenee practices safe driving habits every time she gets behind the wheel of her rust-covered 1977 AMC Gremlin. She handles her car with ease. In fact, each time she goes to the Olive Tree restaurant, her friends are amazed at how deftly she navigates the parking lot without hitting any breadstick wielding pedestrians. So, what separates average drivers from great drivers?
For one thing, great drivers obey all traffic laws. They follow speed limits, don’t drive distracted, and they NEVER drive while impaired. Something else vehicle operators can do to improve their driving skill is to attend a driver’s improvement course. Most people attend these courses because some mean old judge told them to. However, anyone can sign up to make themselves a better driver. These classes can be especially important for young drivers. You can attend virtually or in person, and in some cases, your insurance company may offer discounts for successful completion of this type of course. A quick online search for “driver improvement classes near me” will get you started in the right direction
Remember, no matter how good of a driver you are, there is always room for improvement. This week, I want you all to strive to be like Jenee. The pedestrians with their bread sticks will thank you for it.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 551 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
Distracted Driving Detail Results
April 11, 2023
Last week I mentioned a distracted driving detail that would be taking place. Well, take place it did, and the results were outstanding. The Harford County Traffic Task Force, working in conjunction with the Baltimore County Police Department, participated in a “border to border” enforcement detail. Officers and Deputies on both sides of the county line focused their efforts on distracted and unbelted drivers. All told, Harford County units made 98 traffic stops on the day in question. We issued 12 citations and 105 warnings. 14 cell phone violations were addressed, and 22 motorists were found not wearing their seatbelt.
That is 98 drivers who were educated on the dangers of unsafe driving. Details like this are not always popular, but they no doubt saves lives!
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 438 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
Distracted Driving Check
April 4, 2023
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office receives grant funding from the Maryland Highway Safety Office each year that is used to combat specific, bad driving behaviors. Sometimes it is for impaired driving enforcement. Other times it is all about nabbing aggressive drivers.
Currently, we are in the midst of a high visibility enforcement wave to specifically target distracted drivers in Harford County. In fact, very soon we will be performing a distracted driver “check”. You will see a large law enforcement presence where we will be stopping and citing distracted drivers who are found to be using their phones while driving. This is a gentle reminder that driving is a task which requires 100% of your attention.
The first thing that comes to mind for most people when they hear the phrase “distracted driving” is texting, calling, or some other form of cell phoning while driving. While cell phones are the most prevalent form of distracted driving, it actually comes in many forms. Some other forms of distracted driving that I have seen with my own eyes include applying make-up while driving, reading a novel while driving, and (believe it or not) using a spoon to eat soup.
As the weather improves and we spend more time on county roadways, do what you can to minimize unnecessary distractions. The last thing you want to do is drop your phone in your clam chowder.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 438 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
Aggressive Driving Enforcement
March 28, 2023
This month, the Traffic Unit is participating in a Maryland Highway Safety Office aggressive driving enforcement wave. This means we are out there actively targeting drivers who are engaging in aggressive behaviors behind the wheel. When you think of “aggressive driving,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably an old granny speeding down the road. While speeding is the most common form of aggressive driving, it actually takes on several forms.
Speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and passing on the shoulder are all types of aggressive driving. While there are loads of different aggressive driving behaviors, there is one thing they all have in common. They all have the potential to be deadly. In fact, since 207 roughly 30% of all traffic fatalities can be directly attributed to aggressive driving. We all heard about the devastating tragedy on I-695. The driver involved appeared to be driving aggressively leading up to the incident.
While you are out and about this weekend, leave early, make a plan and do what you can to avoid meeting any members of the traffic unit. We will be looking for you. And, if you do happen to see Granny zipping down the road, do not hesitate to call and let us know. You could be saving a life.
SCHOOL BUS CAMERA UPDATE – Since implementing the system, 394 violations have been observed. Do your part to keep that number from growing.
Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely