Greetings, Fleet Friends and Seasonal Road Stewards,
The second week of December has arrived and the holiday soundtrack is officially everywhere. You may prefer Randy Travis singing Jingle Bell Rock, or a Muppet version of 12 Days of Christmas, or perhaps you are hoping the playlists take a brief (or permanent?!) intermission. Either way, the roads are full, the pace is brisk, and this is the time of year when we are especially grateful for the law enforcement officers who keep our roads and communities SAFER in this and every season.
December brings crowded highways, distracted drivers, unpredictable weather, and a surge in roadside incidents. Last week we explored the importance of Fleet Winter Safety for fleet drivers. This week, NTSI spotlights Law Enforcement Driver Safety and the critical reminders from our Law Enforcement Driver Training Program that help keep officers SAFER in every situation. While most of us simply drive past the holiday bustle, law enforcement must navigate collisions, traffic stops, roadside assists, fast-changing conditions, and the stress that accompanies a heightened seasonal workload.
Of course, cops are people too with families and fun traditions, so in a lighter vein, we wonder: do officers get to play their favorite holiday songs when they are at the station, or do they hear so many yuletide jingles during duty that hearing them at the station is a hard pass? Even more importantly, has any officer ever pulled over a very heavy set man in red rushing north with suspiciously spirited livestock? We know camels are not allowed on roadways, but are reindeer? Do sleighs have speed limits? How does load securement work when you have a sack of gifts and elves riding shotgun? Inquiring minds want to know.
As we ponder both the silly and the critically serious scenarios that officers encounter, NTSI wants to recognize law enforcement this week and explore important reminders from our Law Enforcement Driver Training Program that keep them SAFER on duty.
🚓 Tip 1: Officer Safety Starts When the Door Opens
Law enforcement safety begins inside the vehicle. Did you know that some officers hesitate to wear seat belts because they worry that restraint may slow access to essential equipment? While this may be a legitimate concern, the greater danger is being thrown from the vehicle during a collision. If an officer is injured in an ejection incident, rapid access to gear becomes irrelevant.
Key reminders include:
- Buckle up on every call.
- Adjust seating to maintain accessibility.
- Complete pre-shift checks with attention to lighting, visibility, and changing weather.
🚓 Tip 2: Reduce Roadside Exposure Risk with Slow Down, Move Over Awareness
Exiting a patrol vehicle on an active roadway is one of the highest-risk moments an officer faces. Winter glare, distracted driving, and congested lanes all increase the danger. How can you help keep our officers SAFER in this moment? You can Slow Down, Move Over.
Across the United States, all 50 states require drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over one lane when passing emergency, utility, tow, and roadside assistance vehicles with flashing lights. Even if the specifics differ by state, the principle is universal.
For every motorist, including fleet drivers and families alike:
- Move over to an adjacent lane when it is safe to do so.
- If you cannot move over, reduce your speed significantly and proceed cautiously.
- Stay alert until you are well clear of the scene.
🚓 Tip 3: Train the Mind, Not Just the Vehicle
NTSI’s Law Enforcement Driver Training Program is behavior based, we don’t train officers how to drive, we train them how to drive SAFER with our courses emphasizing the many factors beyond mechanical skill that influence driving behavior. Stress, fatigue, pursuits, sensory overload, and emotional reactions all shape an officer’s performance.
Our course helps officers:
- Understand how mental strain affects reaction times.
- Identify anger or distraction that may compromise safety.
- Apply behavior-based defensive driving principles.
- Strengthen decision-making during unpredictable encounters.
🎄 A Season of Respect and SAFER Roads
As we continue rolling through December, let us honor the officers who serve our communities in every kind of weather and traffic condition.
Slow down, move over, create space, and stay aware. And if you hear an officer humming along to Silver Bells while on patrol, know that even the most dedicated professionals deserve a moment of seasonal cheer.
Until next Tuesday, stay mindful, stay kind, and keep your fleet rolling SAFER all season long.
