December Safety Tips

We often hear about cars being stolen or items being stolen from someone's vehicle. But there are so many issues around the topic of vehicles, I want to touch on some of them.

Pedestrians. What do pedestrians have to do with your vehicle? If you have a vehicle or drive at any time, and if you walk anywhere, pedestrians and vehicles are something you should be concerned about. We have probably all heard about the relatively new law that requires cars to stop for pedestrians. While I think this is a good law and even borders on being an act of kindness when you stop to let a pedestrian cross the street, especially at this time of year with the snow and cold weather, it is sometimes dangerous. I make a habit of checking behind and beside me before I stop for a pedestrian. Too many times drivers try to pass on the shoulder to get by a stopped vehicle. Are you one of the drivers who does this?? If so, take a few seconds to see what it is that the car in front of you is stopping for. It seems like there have been an unusual number of pedestrian accidents and even deaths over the past few months - let's all take extra precautions to not be on either end of the next tragedy involving a pedestrian and a vehicle.

How about the Right Turn on Red law?? Please remember that this law requires the vehicle to come to the red light and to STOP before making the turn. Also, it is not required that vehicles turn on red -- it is an option. If you decide not to turn on red or you are behind a vehicle that makes that choice, just wait for the green light to proceed. Too often I see cars roll through the red light, not even attempting to slow down before turning. Again, I urge you to slow down and watch for pedestrians, bikes, or other vehicles. You may take the few seconds to look around and not see another car approaching the intersection, but what about other forms of transportation? I see and know of people who ride their bike year round, and as in the tragic accident that happened in Saint Paul recently, not everyone is of a height that they can be seen crossing the street without the extra time to stop and look. Right turns on Red? Not such a fan, only because the majority of people don't do the first part of the red light requirement - stopping.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Submitted by Pam McCreary, D1 Crime Prevention Coordinator