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The holiday season is upon us once again! As you, your family, and friends travel and get together in celebration, remember we all must take precautions to protect ourselves from becoming a victim of a crime. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure this time of year remains crime-free:
Shopping Safety
- When shopping at your favorite stores, remember never to leave any bags or merchandise visible in your vehicle. Preferably, store your items in the trunk where no prying eyes may see them.
- Always lock your vehicle doors and watch for suspicious persons in the parking lots. See something; say something!
- If you make significant or large purchases – predominantly electronics – take time to break down the boxes and do not leave them out by the trash where curious eyes may see “what” you just placed in your home.
Safety precautions like these will help protect your investments and valuables and make you and your family less of a target.
Travel Safety
Moreover, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is encouraging drivers to prioritize safety this holiday season, as increased travel can present additional challenges for drivers. If you and your family plan to travel this holiday season, please make note of the following safety tips:
- Check your vehicle to ensure it is adequately 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 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 using a handheld telephone and 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, but Florida law also 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 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 travel for road conditions and closures.
Additionally, remember to take advantage of BSO/City of West Park’s Home Watch Program if you plan on being away from your home during the holidays. BSO created the program to assist owners while away from their residences. The Home Watch Program is focused on providing extra patrols and special attention to unoccupied residences. The forms are available at City Hall and your West Park District Office at 5690 Pembroke Road.
Lastly, BSO Police and Fire will host a “Coffee with the Chiefs” event on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Miami Grill, 1955 South State Road 7, West Park. Come out and meet your local police and fire chiefs!
On behalf of the men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, West Park District, we wish all of you a happy and safe holiday season! May the close of this year bring you joy and comfort and deliver prosperity and peace next year.
