The 'H.E.A.T.' is On

Don't let the purr of its powerful engine and sleek exterior fool you: this is a vehicle built to deter speeders, not be a speeder.

Dorchester County Sheriff's Office recently acquired two Dodge Chargers as part of a grant to help prevent speeding and other traffic violations. The vehicles should be on the streets soon.

The vehicles are emblazoned with "H.E.A.T.," which according to one officer means, "Better slow down or I'll write you a ticket." It really means Highway Enforcement Aggressive Traffic, according to the sheriff's office.

Lt. Charles Frederick is the supervisor in charge of the traffic division with the sheriff's office.

According to Frederick, the vehicles will help prevent traffic issues around the county by being present at stop signs and lights, and in areas where there are high chances of traffic problems.

"Anything dealing with preventing accidents," Frederick said.

The S.C. Traffic Grant, originally awarded in October, paid for the vehicles and two officers. The sheriff's office will need to reapply every year for the grant. 

So far, the traffic division here has had success by reducing traffic collisions by three percent.

Frederick said there is a common thread among collisions.

"One of the biggest things in traffic accidents is inattention," he said. "Be aware of your surroundings."

The traffic division is new, and has only been in existence since 2009. Sheriff L.C. Knight said he was making good on a campaign promise. The sheriff is in a primary battle now for reelection.