This week, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office was recognized by the Virginia Association Chiefs Of Police & Foundation (VACP), “for their continued dedication to saving lives on our roadways”. It is an honor to be recognized in the 2019 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge for “Excellence In Traffic Safety”. The Sheriff’s Office placed first in the category of Sheriff’s Office with 151 officers or more for efforts in 2018. The award was presented by the Executive Director of the Virginia Chiefs of Police Foundation, Dana G. Schrad. Sheriff David R. Hines and Sergeant David Parrish accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.
“For 2018, Hanover County once again demonstrated a higher percentage of seat belt use compared to the rest of the state – 91% vs. 84%. This is no doubt due to the Sheriff’s Office’s concerted efforts to educate the public and enforce occupant protection laws. Through seminars conducted by SROs in high schools and information presented in the Police Explorers program, the Youth Police Academy, Citizens Police Academy and Senior Citizens Police Academy, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has educated drivers young and old about the life-saving difference seat belts and properly-installed child safety seats can have when one is involved in a crash. Occupant enforcement efforts during campaigns like Click It or Ticket also make a difference in reminding drivers and passengers to properly buckle up. The Sheriff’s Office enforcement efforts resulted in fewer crashes that involved unrestrained occupants and fewer resulting injuries.
However, educating people about properly using seat belts and child safety seats is only half the battle when it comes to reducing injuries and fatalities. As such, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office also strives to combat causative factors such as speeding and impaired driving”.
The care and safety of Hanover County will always be a concerted effort through the Sheriff’s Office and the participation and support of the community we serve. By partnering, educating and special enforcement efforts, it is our commitment to “saving lives on the roadways” of Hanover County.
