Hello Lauderhill Family:

Let’s continue our talk about traffic safety and what we at the Lauderhill Police Department (LPD) are doing to be proactive against dangers on the road.

Last time, we covered the problems and consequences of breaking traffic laws in and around school zones. With this edition, I would like to talk to you about the dangers of aggressive driving and what we are doing to make our streets safer for all who share the road.

Recently, the LPD has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to address the issues of aggressive driving. Based on data LPD shared with FDOT, we were awarded a grant of $104,000 to fund a campaign that would focus on traffic education, safety, and enforcement, to achieve four goals:

1. Deter speeding
2. Promote defensive (not offensive) driving
3. Reduce accidents
4. Decrease injuries and deaths as a result of reckless behavior

Is the Problem that Bad?

Well, yes… and the numbers don’t lie. A review of traffic data was conducted from 2017 to 2019, which alerted us to a significant rise in dangerous driving patterns. For example, 2019 alone had a 135% increase in traffic violations, an 84% increase in serious bodily injuries, and a 174% increase in aggressive speed-related violations compared to the information from 2018. Sadly, this study also revealed the loss of 21 lives due to unsafe drivers.

Using a speed-analyzer that records vehicular activity, we have been able to build a strategic approach to combat the growth of traffic violations. This device helps us by identifying specific days, times, and locations of traffic problems.

LPD’s collection of traffic studies then serve as the basis of Community Outreach efforts through social media posts, mobile message boards, and community meetings. The Traffic Unit officers make it a point to educate our residents and visitors with awareness that would lead to greater safety.

Lastly, throughout the City, our Traffic Unit will conduct several High Visibility Enforcement Operations in the areas identified from our analysis.

Our method is simple – through education, we want to promote behavior that complies with traffic laws. Everyone who sits behind the wheel should think to themselves, “Drive smart, drive safe!”

Until next time...