Chief Raymond Hayducka Thanksgiving message
This Thanksgiving weekend there is a lot to be thankful for. I want to recognize all the officers and motorists for improving the safety of Township roadways. The increased driver awareness and added enforcement by officers has led to a nearly 75% reduction in serious and fatal accidents. The next four weeks we will see the highest volume of traffic traveling for the holidays. Our commitment to safe roadways will be visible this weekend with officers focused on impaired drivers.
In order to make sure this holiday season is a thankful time we are providing some driving tips.
Holiday Driving Safety Tips -
- Never drink and drive. There has been an increase in the proportion of drunk driving deaths between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to MADD. Year-round, alcohol is involved in about one-third of all accidents. Always use a designated driver.
- Always Buckle up. When used properly, seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury to passengers in the front seat by 45 percent and moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent, according to the National Safety Council.
- Stay Alert - Many drivers plan to take long trips during the late night or early morning hours to avoid traffic, but driving between midnight and 6 a.m. is considered a high-risk situation, according to a NCSDR/NHTSA panel of experts. Drowsy driving is very similar to drunk driving, and it can be just as dangerous.
I want to thank the Township Manager, the Mayor, and Township Council for their continued support of our department. I appreciate all the residents who get involved by calling in unusual activity or participating in one of our programs. There is a lot to be thankful for this holiday. Please drive safe.
