Fort Mill Police Neighborhood Pace Car Program

Fort Mill Police Neighborhood Pace Car Program!


IMPLEMENTED IN FORT MILL, SC BY LT. RAY DIXON

This program was first developed in Boise, Idaho and has now been implemented in Fort Mill, SC. This program is based on a cooperative effort between the police department, residents of Fort Mill, and local businesses. The objective is to make Fort Mill a safer place to live and drive.

As a pace car driver, speed limits and traffic laws are strictly followed. Because pace cars are driving the speed limit, the cars behind them must also drive the speed limit. The crux of this program is to promote responsibility of courteous and safe driving to the motorists.

It is for this reason that the Fort Mill Police Department encourages all residents to read and sign a Neighborhood Pace Car Pledge. Once that is done, pace car drivers can proudly display their stickers and know they are making a difference.

Discounts for Pace Car Drivers!

The following Fort Mill businesses offer discounts when you show your Pace Car ID:

A-Lock-It Storage Facility • 10% Discount • For all of your self storage needs! Cars, Boats or things that have filed up your garage. 1399 East Highway 160 (Across from Food Lion) Fort Mill.
(803) 802-2272 • www.alockit.com

BacInTyme Coffee Café • 10% Discount • Live entertainment, cool summer drinks and smoothies, art gallery and FREE WIFI! 124 Confederate Street, Fort Mill
803-802-7155 • www.bacintyme.com

BJR Photography & Specialty Shop • 20% Discount • Specializes in family and pet portraits!
We also do specialty jewelry and monogramming! 226 Main Street, Fort Mill • (803) 547-6369

Cardinal Landscaping • 10% Discount • Excited to address any landscaping needs you have for your home! Irrigation, pine needles, plantings and designs are just a few of the areas I specialize in. 236 Sycamore Creek Rd, Fort Mill • (803) 242-6050

Carolina Professional Sound • $100.00 off any event! • SC’s Preferred Mobile DJ Experience      ask for “DJ-E” www.carolinaprofessionalsound.com • (803) 984-9901

Expect Success, Inc. • 20% Discount On First Visit • Counseling, life coaching and business consulting. Peter G. McGourty, LPC • www.expectsuccessinc.com • (704) 831-6841

Fort Mill BBQ Company •10% Discount • Home of the “Family Feast” and “Big Al’s 50oz Steak”
737 Stockbridge Commons (Lowes food shopping center) • www.fortmillbbqcompany.com
(803) 548-7400  

NarroWay Theatre • 2 Tickets for the Price of 1 • One admission free with the purchase of an admission of equal or greater value. Dinner shows require an upgrade to include the meal. Limit one certificate per family, per visit. Not valid with any other discounts. Reservations subject to availability. Value of up to $15. Offer good through Dec. 1, 2009. • 3346 Highway 21, Fort Mill SC • www.narroway.net • (803) 802-2300

Rightway Automotive • 10% off all labor and FREE tire rotations for life of Pace Car Status! Maintenance, repair, performance and restoration done the RIGHT WAY! 116 Massey St. Suite 100. www.rightway4you.com • (803) 548-4818

Sunkissed Tanning • 10% Discount on tanning products. • Locally owned and operated with NO membership charges or upgrade costs! 818 Tom Hall Street suite 104, Fort Mill • (803) 547-8828

Businesses offering discounts will be updated frequently. Some restrictions may apply.

The Pledge:

 

The challenge for participants will be to incorporate the pledge into daily driving habits and
"set the pace" for others. Following these rules of the road will demonstrate safe driving behavior:

1. Drive within the speed limit on city streets and adhere to all of the traffic laws in the state.
2. Stop to let pedestrians cross and be courteous to bicyclists and others.
3. Display my Pace Car decal on my car where others can clearly see me setting the standard.
4. Devote my full attention to driving by limiting cell phone usage and pledge to NEVER
text message while behind the wheel.
5. Be a courteous and aware pedestrian when I am walking.
6. Be a courteous and aware cyclist when I am biking.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Will my car really make a difference?
Yes. We only need a small percentage of vehicles acting as Pace Cars to slow traffic city-wide. This starts a positive cycle. People feel more comfortable walking or cycling, which reduces traffic levels, making streets even safer, meaning even more people can walk or cycle.

Does the Pace Car provoke road rage?
No. Many people who sign up to the Pace Car Program were already acting as unofficial Pace Cars. They report that incidents of road rage decrease when they badge their car as a Pace Car. Instead of the driver behind thinking they are stuck behind some "idiot" who doesn't know how to drive, the Pace Car sticker lets them know that there is a purpose for why the car is being driven within the speed limit.

What happens if I accidentally speed?
Take a breath and slow down. The Pace Car pledge is a declaration of intent, not a legally binding contract or new religion where you will be stoned if you break the "rules"! Kicking the speed habit can be hard work. Allow yourself more time to get to places so you won't be tempted to speed.

Do I only act as a Pace Car in my neighborhood or on all streets?
On all city streets. The Pace Car is a kind of treaty between neighborhoods: you respect the quality of life in our neighborhood and we will do the same for you. The Pace Car promotes a new civility and mutual respect on our streets.

Is this limited only to citizens?
No. In fact, we encourage all of our city employees to sign the pledge and display the sticker on their company vehicles. We have a great opportunity to show solidarity toward a safer Fort Mill on a daily basis.

Does this pledge and decal give someone the right to act as a police officer?
In short, No. Nor will it give you a "get out of jail free" card if you or someone driving your car is caught speeding. The idea behind the program is to prevent people from breaking traffic laws so you must always remember that you are there to se the standard.

Can I get my Pace Car status revoked?
YES! Frequent traffic citations will result in the revocation of your sticker and discount benefits.
** Remember, you are setting the standard and example!

Thank you!

...so much for making Fort Mill a SAFER place to live!