Traffic
We have a unique city that requires a distinctive approach to traffic enforcement and collision investigation, which is why we have a specialized Traffic Unit. The Myrtle Beach Police Department Traffic Unit’s responsibility is to investigate traffic collisions, enforce traffic laws, and work with other departments to reduce traffic crashes. Due to the fluctuation in population throughout the year, the City of Myrtle Beach often sees an increase in traffic collisions and dangerous driving during high traffic months. The Traffic Unit conducts pro-active enforcement of traffic laws to deter violations, prevent traffic collisions, and reduce or eliminate traffic and impaired driving deaths.
Traffic Unit officers work throughout the City using a variety of marked and unmarked patrol vehicles and police motorcycles. Officers are highly trained in the use of speed measurement devices (RADAR and LiDAR), Data Master, Traffic Incident Management, At Scene Traffic Collision Investigation, Technical Traffic Collision Investigation, Traffic Collision Reconstruction as well as DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. The Traffic Unit also utilizes several speed trailers to address speeding complaints. These speed trailers monitor traffic, store statistical data and display vehicle speed to encourage drivers to follow the posted speed limit. Officers utilize state-of-the-art computer and video technology to address calls for service, community complaints as well as initiate pro-active enforcement in identified areas of concern or dangerous driving.
Other specialized equipment is utilized to assist with the investigation of severe traffic collisions including fatalities. Advanced training in areas such as At-Scene Accident Investigation, Technical Collision Investigation, Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Reconstruction, Motorcycle Crash Reconstruction, and Commercial Vehicle Crash Reconstruction help Officers recreate the incident and offer conclusions as to what occurred. The FARO 3D laser scanner, Bosch Crash Data Recorder, and other equipment help fill in gaps to help solve collision investigations.