PWPD Continue to Emphasize Traffic Safety

The continues to emphasize the importance of traffic safety. Commander of Patrol Lt. Brian G. Staley reached out to Patch with this message.

The Port Washington Police District is dedicated to safety of all the residents and visitors to this community whether they are driving, walking, riding a bike, jogging or skateboarding.

Each year our patrol force issues thousands of tickets for various NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations.  On occasions New York State has different grant programs in which they will provide funding to police departments to target specific violations such as DWI, Buckle Up N.Y. and Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). When our department receives such funding, we are able to place additional manpower to enforce the laws and ticket violators. Whether there is funding for a particular program or not, our patrol force, enforcement unit, problem oriented police unit (POP), and crossing guards, continuously remain vigilant to enforce the laws.

There is however, a personal responsibility that lies with the individual citizens to voluntarily comply with the law for their own safety and the safety of others. The school district along with our school resource officer gives instruction in reference to crossing the streets, bike safety and appropriate safety equipment at the very earliest entry aged children in the school system. Most responsible parents and adults instruct children on crossing the streets safely, and to watch out for cars. It is only with this type of mutual effort can this busy little town be safe for everyone on the public roads.

If you are not sure of the rules, they can be found on New York State's Vehicle Traffic Law website [scroll down to "Rules of the Road" section], or you can call the Port Washington Police District. Title 7 (Rules of the Road) Article 27, sections 1150-1157 of the NYS vehicle and traffic law governs pedestrians’ rights and duties, and Article 34, sections 1230-1241 of the NYS VTL governs bicycles and play devices.

It may sound a little corny, but it still applies “Cross at the green, and not in-between.” Remember that even the smallest violation can sometimes have the most devastating results. Obey the law, stay safe, and travel carefully!