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Traffic Safety Unit

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Traffic Safety Unit to provide professional police service, to work with the community to provide education and awareness in the area of traffic safety in an effort to reduce traffic collisions and traffic related fatalities in the City of Columbia.

Traffic Safety Unit Officers

The traffic safety enforcement officers are primarily responsible for enforcing South Carolina Vehicle Code statutes, enforcement of local traffic ordinances, and investigation of vehicle collisions.

The purpose of the Traffic Safety Unit is to create safer roadways for motorist, cyclists and pedestrians.  This is accomplished through enforcing traffic laws, educating citizens and addressing roadway engineering issues.

The traffic safety officers respond to community complaints regarding traffic safety issues and provide dedicated enforcement at high collision intersections.

If you are concerned about a specific traffic related issue, you are encouraged to contact the Traffic Safety Unit at 803-545-3975.

School Crossing Guards 

The Crossing Guard Unit is responsible for providing vehicular and pedestrian traffic control at designated locations to promote maximum safety in the movement of elementary and middle school students to and from school.

Child Restraints

Parents and caregivers are urged to have their children’s car seats checked.  Certified child passenger safety technicians are available through the Columbia Police Department Traffic Safety Unit to inspect car seats and provide hands-on advice free of charge.  Call 803-545-3975 to set-up an appointment.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicycles are considered vehicles and should obey all traffic laws, riding with the flow of traffic and being attentive to their surroundings.  A properly fitted helmet should be worn along with highly visible clothing.  When cycling at night, retro-reflective clothing should be worn and bicycles should be equipped with a headlamp and tail lamp.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrians should utilize sidewalks and crosswalks where available.  Where sidewalks are not available, pedestrians should walk to the furthest left side of the roadway walking against traffic.  Pedestrians should wear visible clothing in the day and retro-reflective clothing at night.  Pedestrians crossing the roadway should avoid distractions such as cell phones and cross the street in a safe and prudent manner.

Download the Pedestrian Safety brochure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and view the Driver Safety Street Smart Tips.

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