The number of fatal traffic accidents in Lakewood declined in 2001 after reaching an all-time high in 2000. This was due in part to education and enforcement through the Police Department's traffic campaign: "It's a Life We Share, Drive With Care In Lakewood." Many of the driving behaviors that lead to accidents can be easily avoided. The following suggestions are simple enough, but following them can reduce the likelihood that you will be involved in a traffic accident in 2002.

Make Safe Turns and Lane Changes:

• Look carefully for oncoming traffic when making a left turn after stopping at an intersection. If oncoming traffic would have to slow down to let you through, wait for that traffic to pass.
• Always signal lane changes, and make sure that there is plenty of room to make the lane change. If another car has to slow down or back off, there probably was not enough room.

Watch Your Speed:

• Obey the posted speed limits.
• Don't try to "beat the red light."
• Make sure that you come to a complete stop at stop signs.

Leave Space Between Vehicles:

• Make sure that there is enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you, so you could stop in time should you have to. A good rule of thumb is at least one car length for every 10 m.p.h. that you are traveling.
• Rear-end accidents often happen in heavy traffic at intersections. Pay close attention in these situations.

Don't Drink and Drive:

• The easiest solution is to make sure that you do not drive after drinking alcohol. Have a designated driver.
• Two to three drinks (12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, or 1.5 oz. shot) in a one-hour period will put most people who weigh less than 200 pounds over the legal limit to drive.

Additional Tips:

• Be alert. Watch out for actions of other drivers and of pedestrians.
• Always wear a seat belt, even on short trips.
• Keep your cool if someone else is driving poorly. Don't retaliate if someone cuts you off. There is no need to try to "give them a piece of your mind."

For more information about this topic, or for any other crime prevention information, contact the Lakewood Police Department's Neighborhood Action Team at (303) 987-7105.