Living in a safe community is not just about a low crime rate. It’s about looking out for our neighbors and those who would like to become our neighbors. Let’s face it; this is a great place to live. We have residents who could live anywhere in the world and they chose here.
According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in the City of Thousand Oaks during 2011, there were 1503 reported traffic collisions. In 2012, there were 1496 and for the first 6 months of 2013, there were 649. We believe that most, if not all, could have been avoided. Some of these collisions resulted in property damage, while others were fatal.
Some of these collisions were caused by mechanical problems, driving under the influence of a prescription medication, illegal drugs, alcohol, excessive speed, driving distracted by texting /cell phone use or just not enough sleep.
Recent studies indicate that a driver talking on a hands free device has the equivalent distraction as a blood alcohol level of .08. If they decide to text while driving, it is doubled to .16. Anything that can impair our reflexes can be a detriment when we need to make a split second decision.
Traffic rules are in place to control the flow and speed of traffic, to keep us safe. Disregarding those rules puts others or us at risk. If you want changes or there is an unsafe area, you can contact city hall and speak to someone to better understand why those rules were enacted. You can also contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department and speak to someone in the traffic division.
The next time you see someone roll through a stop, drive a little too fast or not be as attentive as they should, remember they are putting you and those you love at risk. So when you see one of our motor officers or patrol vehicles, please wave and let them know they are appreciated. We still want to retain that small town friendliness you moved here to enjoy. Their job is to keep us safe. Our job is to keep us safe.
Contact information:
Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
(805) 371-8362
[email protected]
