Hanahan Police Traffic Safety Unit
The Hanahan Police Traffic Safety Unit is a full time team based within the Patrol Division. It consists of two traffic officers. Each traffic officer has been trained in accident investigation and has attended schools sponsored by the Institute of Police Technology Management. Each traffic officer operates a fully equipped traffic vehicle containing specialized collision investigation equipment.
The duties of a Traffic Officer varies. The Officers main function is to investigate all serious or fatal motor vehicle collisions. In addition, the Traffic Officer also participates in Selective Traffic Enforcement and education programs for schools and civic organizations.
The Traffic Safety Office was established within the Police Department to provide varied but essential functions. Among these are:
- Investigation of serious or fatal motor vehicle collisions
- Enforcement of motor vehicle laws
- Surveys of dangerous intersections and other locations
- Training and education of Police Officers
- Education of the public
Investigation of serious and Fatal collisions
In the event there is a serious collision, a member of the Traffic Safety office will respond and take charge of the investigation. This Officer has the experience, training and equipment available to do a thorough and complete investigation.
Enforcement of motor vehicle laws
Officers are assigned to locations where there have been a high rate of motor vehicle problems in order to enforce the laws.
Surveys of dangerous locations
Officers do site and roadway surveys of areas that appear to have blind spots, roadway flaws or other areas of possible dangerous conditions that could affect the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Training of Police Officers
All Hanahan Police Officers go through yearly classes in order to update their abilities. The Traffic Office conducts training in the area of motor vehicle laws and collision investigations.
Education of the public
Officers of the Traffic Safety Office are available to speak to any school, church, or other civic organization on any topic related to motor vehicles or collisions.
Services to the public
A large part of the time of a Traffic Officer is spent on public related services and not on just writing tickets. The Department offers various services to the public including:
Speakers bureau
The Department will furnish an Officer to speak to your group on various traffic related issues. Among the recent topics have been: Driving While Intoxicated; Drive Alive at 55 (mature drivers); Bike Safety; Pedestrian Safety and Child Safety Seats.
Selective Enforcement
Although we all know the motor vehicle laws, there are some people who just won't listen. If your street has people who constantly speed, drive carelessly, or possibly don't stop for the sign at the corner, contact the Department and your street can be added to our Selective Enforcement program. These areas get close attention from our patrol officers.
Defensive Driving Classes
The Traffic Safety Office has Officers who have been trained by The National Safety Council to teach the Defensive Driving Course. Successful completion of this 6 hour course will entitle you to a minimum 5% reduction in your insurance rates, and a 2 point reduction in your motor vehicle points. Classes are given throughout the year. If your group wants to schedule its own class, contact the Department for details.
