Traffic Enforcement by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw

Sept. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- These traffic stops impact motorists because they address the challenges to safe driving. We are in the business of creating safe passage through Palm Beach County for millions of residents and visitors.

The only way to reduce the hazards on our roadways is to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers.

Today’s driving population is changing -- and not for the better.

There are more drunk drivers, more aggressive drivers, and more violent criminals behind the wheel. Also, more heavy trucks and SUVs are on crowded roads, forcing more motorists to drive defensively. And the growing use of electronic mobile gadgets is distracting drivers like never before.

Combined with speeding and carelessness, these factors can create many problems.

That’s why my agency’s specialized team of more than 30 traffic deputies is out every day in all corners of the county pulling over traffic violators and preventing accidents from happening.

They are looking for speeders who zip through red lights, school zones and residential streets. They also patrol community roads and highways in search of serial traffic offenders who weave in and out of lanes.

Each year, 200 to 300 people die senselessly on Palm Beach County roads. It’s often because the driver was impaired, speeding, following too closely or driving through a red light.  

Our job is to reduce these tragedies and prevent many other less serious accidents.

Education is our best tool.

Making traffic stops is an immediate way to school motorists on what they have done wrong. Those drivers are likely to change their behaviors, hopefully for good, when a deputy pulls them over, gives a stern talk, and issues either a written warning or ticket.

My deputies also partner with groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving to inform the masses about the dangers of drinking alcohol or taking prescription pills before going on the road. They partner with schools too, talking regularly to students about how to safely cross intersections and ride their bicycles and skateboards.

In addition, my staff communicates with county road engineers concerning frequency of accidents on certain roads and what can be done to improve road conditions.

And that’s on top of their expanding responsibilities.

As our county grows, we are patrolling more roads -- without adding on more staff. And, as certain law enforcement agencies downsize, including Florida Highway Patrol, we are being asked to investigate more traffic fatalities, which can be very complex and take many months to resolve.

So let’s not forget: driving is a privilege -- not a right. That privilege can be taken away or modified based on the conduct of the driver.

We’re doing our best to improve the behaviors of drivers.  

Do your share, too. Be responsible on our roads. Help us create even safer passage through our county.

Read more at http://www.pbso.org/

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