Traffic Calming
As much as Sgt. Eaton would love to head to your neighborhood to help you put in the needed traffic calming, that’s not something he can do. But he knows who can help you. More in this week’s #TrafficTipTuesday:
“Hello everyone and welcome to another super fun edition of #TrafficTipTuesday. I will admit that I was a little stumped for a TTT idea this week. I thought of doing another school bus post, but you’ve been well SCHOOLED on those. I considered doing a motorcycle safety post late last night, but I was TWO TIRED. Finally, I thought ‘let’s do a post about pet safety’ but I’ve already BARKED up that tree. So, in the end, I decided to take some time and address a question that I see regularly. Let’s get to it!
As a read over the comments, messages, and emails that you all send to me on Facebook and Instagram, I see one recurring theme. Many of you out there, in addition to asking for speed enforcement, often ask for some type of permanent speeding reduction device in your neighborhood. Well, before I put on my hard hat and grab my shovel, let me take a moment and explain exactly how the process works.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has no authority to add stop signs, speed bumps, traffic circles, or lights. While we can certainly run RADAR and cite aggressive drivers, we have no authority to add signs or bumps or traffic lights. These items come from the Harford County Department of Public Works (or the State Highway Administration if you live on a state road). I know…I know. I can hear some of you now. “SERGEANT EATON! TELL US THE WEBSITE! GIVE US THE PHONE NUMBER! I WANT A YIELD SIGN IN MY FRONT YARD! WHO DO WE CALL!!!!!” First, let’s slow down a little bit and see how the process works.
Your request for speed reduction devices starts at the Harford County website, www.harfordcountymd.gov.
Once there, check out The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. This is the policy that the County Roads department uses to determine if a neighborhood is eligible for speed reduction devices. Now, when I use a phrase like “check it out”, what I am really telling you to do is read the document thoroughly. It contains a lot of good, specific information on how and which neighborhoods qualify for speed reduction devices. If, after reading the policy, you think your road qualifies, there is a link on the webpage where you (or your HOA if you have one) can request further assistance.
Another consideration the county uses when determining where speed bumps are placed is emergency vehicle response time. Every speed bump reduces the response time of a fire truck or an ambulance by an average of six seconds. This may not seem like a whole lot, but if the fire engine must traverse 37 speed bumps on the way to your house, your poor kitten may be stuck in that tree forever.
The Sheriff’s Office and the County both have important roles in the traffic safety of Harford County residents. When a member of the community reports a specific concern, I notify both the traffic unit and the patrol units, so we can address speeding and aggressive driving where needed. The County provides the crosswalks, signs, and traffic lights for us to enforce. I know neighborhood traffic issues can be confusing and frustrating (not to mention dangerous!), so hopefully this has given you some insight as to how to approach any problems.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. 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