click for info on New Law Changes for Traffic Tickets:  After January 1, Drivers Must Ask for Trial

"Report drunk drivers, dial 911"

Winter Safety Driving Tips

• Increase your distance between you and vehicles in front of you

• Driving slower is the key to safe driving in the winter

• Keep your headlights on to help see other drivers and for them to see you

• Do not mix driving and alcohol

• Do not take unnecessary risks in inclement weather, the safest choice is to stay off the roads

Bicycle Safety Tips

1. Wearing your helmet is the best thing you can do to be safe
2. Always check your brakes so that you are prepared to stop
3. Ride on the right side, with the flow of traffic    

Driving Tips

Keep your family safe this spring

by following these safety driving tips:  

• Always use a car safety seat for infants and children under 40 pounds

• All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicle

• Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute

• Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt, it’s the LAW!

Tips for Avoiding Accidents and Saving Lives on the Road

Before starting the car, make sure everyone is belted in; then lock the doors.

Keep pace with the flow of traffic; driving too fast or too slow may cause a collision.

Stay alert, don’t let distractions inside the car take your attention away from the road.

Keep a cool head on the road.  Respect the right of way rule.

SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

Completely remove ALL snow and ice from your vehicle

Drive slower than normal in slippery conditions

Keep your headlights on to help see other drivers

Never drink alcohol and drive

Finally, don’t take unnecessary risks  

YELLOW LIGHTS at intersections signal a caution that tells you to prepare to stop; NOT to speed up through the intersection.  Traffic approaching from other directions expects you to stop; they even may "jump" the green light.  Safety is the most important point here

please do not take the risk to "beat the red light"

"stats" on crashes while using cell phone while driving

     Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Source:  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

 Using a cell phone while driving, whether it's hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.  (Source:  University of Utah)

School Traffic Safety

When a school crossing guard is displaying an official stop sign,

drivers must come to a complete stop.

Drivers must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped to pick up or let off children.  The driver must remain stopped until the bus' stop sign is retracted and red warning lights are turned off.  

Whenever a school traffic safety sign is posted, drivers should slow down and watch for children. 

Now that summer vacation is over and schools and colleges are back in session, we are seeing an increase in traffic on our local roads and highways.  If possible, when scheduling your commute choose a time of day to travel when traffic is lighter, early in the morning or late at night.  Make sure you get plenty of rest, wear your seatbelt and drive carefully to make your trip a safe trip!

• Before taking a long drive get plenty of sleep

• Make frequent stops at rest stops for coffee or soft drinks

• Take a short walk to stretch your legs

Bicycle Riding Tips

Sharing the road involves knowing and following some basic rules:

• Always ride in the same direction as the traffic

• Obey all traffic signs and signals. 

• Ride single file on busy roads

• Yield to pedestrians in the road; they have the right of way!!!

Defensive Driving Techniques

• Before getting into your vehicle, quickly scan the outside for deflated tires.  When inside, check the gas gauge to ensure you have sufficient fuel to get to your destination.
• When driving, pay attention not just looking at the driver in front of you but all of your surroundings.
• Check your mirrors several times while driving and be aware of the blind spots on your vehicle.

Turn Signals

• Drivers should always use turn signals; put the signals on about half a block before the turn in a residential area and 500 feet before the turn on a highway.

• When changing lanes, signal before the change to let everyone know what you are doing.

• Slow down before making the turn.