The Gozcast

In this episode, we will wrap up our conversation about winter driving to include: Being prepared for being stopped for extended periods Having a plan if caught up in a large-scale incident on the road Learning / Teaching how to drive in the snow Crashes can be scary. Crashes in weather that can shutdown roadways and even emergency operations, can not only be scary, but also deadly. We will approach things with common sense and offer some tips that may come in handy if you ever find yourself in such a situation. I'm also going to talk about some of the early infuences made on me by my grade-school teachers and one particualar lesson that I learned .... the hard way. Welcome aboard True Believers... mittens, parkas and scarfs not required and no need to bundle up. All I ask is that you will... just hear me out.

Continuing with my educational / safety podcast series where we are talking this week about driving in winter conditions. Not just "do's" & "don't' s".... but some advice about how to drive when encountering first responders who are trying to get to emergency calls on the same slick roads as you, under less-than-optimal conditions. I've driven through the Rockies in rough winter weather, as well as the mountains of New Mexico, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and none of those experiences compare with trying to navigate snow-covered roadways on the way to an emergency call where someone needs help as soon as possible. I'm also going to talk a little about growing up during some tough times and how those experiences influence me as a law enforcement officer, as I continue to push forward with my mission to humanize the badge. I feel that building strong relationships with our youngest citizens is important and ask that parents / guardians help to instill a sense of trust between their children and the law enforcement community. Often a child's first encounter with a police officer can take place because of a troubling or tragic event and we should all do our best to make sure that isn't the case. And a little insight from the man behind the curtain with another instalment of "The Wonderful Wisdom of Goz". It's all just ahead, True Believer, and all you have to do is hit "Play" and hold on tight during our ride through a winter wonderland. I hope you will, and can... Just Hear Me Out.

We're kicking off this educational / safety podcast series, by using my first-hand experiences and training in dealing with the "Big D", and I ain't talking about Dallas. Different states have different titles for this crime: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving While Impaired (DWI, again) and, here in Virginia, Driving Under the Influence (DUI).   I learned hard lessons about DUI at an early age. Since becoming a Sheriff's Deputy, I've continued learning, and putting my knowledge and experience to work over the last quarter century, trying to make roads safer. At the same time, I work to educate other LEOs and community members about one of the leading causes of highway deaths in the United States that also happens to currently account for 30% of ALL arrests made in this country.  In this episode we will talk facts, throw in statistics, offer some advice and bust a few myths about DUI. As always, I hope you'll... Just Hear Me Out.  

A little about me: I'm a 26-year law enforcement veteran after a 12-year career as a local radio personality and then entering the police academy at 34 years old. I know, that's a lot of numbers right from the get-go, I'll do better... no worries, there's no pop-quiz. Anyway, The GozCast is going to be an informative and fun look at traffic safety & laws, memorable experiences from the road, growing up poor and life off-duty. All from a guy trying to humanize the badge and prove you can be a good cop, and a good person, without giving up your sense of humor and enjoying life. Hope you'll give it a listen. - Goz.