Fleet Safety Tip of the Week

Here are some suggested procedures for drivers to follow when pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Those red lights flashing in the rear-view mirror can be an unsettling or frustrating sight, but this is a time when drivers need to appear calm. This advice was taken from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. You may want to pass this along to your fleet drivers as a friendly reminder. 

• On a standard dual-lane highway, always pull to the right and off the travel portion of the highway. 
• On a highway with two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction, pull the vehicle onto the most feasible shoulder of the highway in a safe manner. 
• Upon bringing the vehicle to a stop, remain seated in the vehicle and place the vehicle in the "parked" position, preferably with the vehicle in the "off" position. With power locks and windows more prevalent, the engine may have to be left running.
• Activate the vehicle's hazard lights or emergency flashers. 
• If at night, activate the vehicle's interior lights.
• Turn off your car radio. This will assist in communicating with the officer. 
• Do not talk on your cell phone. 
• Place both hands on the steering wheel while the officer is approaching the vehicle. 
• The passengers should place their hands in their lap or on their knees, in order to allow the officer a clear view of the vehicle. 
• Once the officer approaches the vehicle, lower your window so you can communicate with the officer.