I had an occasion recently to direct traffic on a local roadway in Union County. Several things occurred me while I was working. Many motorists seem to be in need of a few pointers when coming in contact with a law enforcement or traffic-control officer in this capacity.
I’d like to share a few:
· Please stay alert to what the officer is motioning for you to do.
·Please use your turn signal if you are turning. We don’t know your intention unless you let us know.
·If the officer motions for you to stop, please stop several car lengths from the officer. Please stop completely; those that creep up on us make us very nervous. Again, we don’t know the intention of every driver and not everyone is a nice as you.
·If you are in a hurry, please be patient. We wouldn’t be directing traffic unless there is a need. Blowing the horn and shouting at us as you drive by will not speed the process.
·Please put your cell phone down. Distractions are dangerous to the officer as well as you and the other cars around you.
·Please wear your seat belt at all times. We have had numerous vehicles almost hit us as the driver is attempting to put their seatbelt on.
·Know more than one route to your destination. If we have to detour you, we cannot give directions while directing traffic. You may have to follow the car in front of you and stop somewhere further down the road to ask someone directions.
·Please be aware that failure to obey a law enforcement or traffic-control officer is a chargeable offense GS 20-114.1(a) which carries a $50.00 fine plus $130.00 court cost and one point on your driver’s license.
·Traffic-control officers include those invested by law with authority to direct traffic as well as uniformed regular and volunteer firemen and uniformed regular and volunteer members of a rescue squad.
Our main concern is safety for the motoring public and the officers. When an officer is standing in the street, his/her main safety equipment is driver awareness. Our bulletproof vest doesn’t stop a vehicle.
Thanks for reading…it is our pleasure to serve the citizens of Union County.
