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The changing of the seasons is upon us once more! I always love this time of year, as it ushers in the holidays which draw community, families, and friends together. It is also one which historically brings an increase to shopping, roadways and travel. As we enter into this holiday season, we have to remember to take safety precautions to protect ourselves from becoming a victim of a crime. Here are some important safety tips to ensure this time of year remains crime free:
⦁ When shopping at your favorite stores, remember to never leave any bags or merchandise visible in your vehicle. Preferably, store your items in the trunk where no coveting eyes may see them.
⦁ Always remember to lock your vehicle doors and watch for suspicious persons in the parking lots. See something; say something!
⦁ If you happen to make any big or large purchases – especially of an electronic nature – take time to break down the boxes and don’t leave them out by the trash where curious eyes may see “what” you just placed in your home.
Practicing safety precautions such as these will help protect your investments and make you and your family less of a target. A few helpful guides from the sheriff’s office are posted here for your reference.
Moreover, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is encouraging drivers to make safety a top priority this holiday, as increased travel can present additional challenges for drivers. If you and your family plan to travel this
Thanksgiving and Christmas, please make note of the following safety tips:
⦁ Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
⦁ Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
⦁ Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, and other emergency vehicles such as Road Rangers and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road.
⦁ Buckle up. A seat belt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature. Florida law requires that all drivers, all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 wear seat belts or the appropriate ⦁ child restraints. Seat belts save lives, so buckle up every trip, every time.
⦁ Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas, or construction zones.
⦁ Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Florida law prohibits the use of a handheld telephone, as well as, other portable wireless devices to read, write, or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. Also, if you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
⦁ Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
⦁ Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
⦁ On multi-lane roadways, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Florida law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
⦁ If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
⦁ Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
⦁ Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures.
Additionally, please remember to take advantage of BSO/City of West Park’s house watch program, if you plan on being away from your home during the holidays. This is a program that the Broward Sheriff’s Office has in place to assist owners while they are away from their residence. The Home Watch Program geared towards providing extra patrols and special attention to the residence. The forms are available at City Hall and at your South Broward District Office located at 5690 Pembroke Road.
On behalf of the men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, South Broward District, we wish all of you a happy and safe holiday season! May the close of this year bring you joy and comfort and next year deliver you with prosperity and peace. Be Safe!!!
