Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for law enforcement personnel and it deals with staying safe on the roadway.

We can’t help others if we don’t protect ourselves. And our emergency lights do not provide a magic barrier of protection.

In 2019, more than 35 officers who were killed in traffic related incidents. Too many officers are hurt and killed by passing traffic while working near the roadway.

We can’t help others if we don’t protect ourselves. And our emergency lights do not provide a magic barrier of protection. The lights may actually distract motorists in some cases.

Evaluate the scene and decide the best place to park your patrol vehicle. Park so that your vehicle provides some degree of protection to you and others at the scene. Activate emergency lighting as appropriate. This may mean activating only your rear lights. Make use of traffic cones, flares, or LED devices. Wear your reflective traffic vest. And don’t be afraid to ask for help protecting the scene or directing traffic.

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.