Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Drive Sober

CCSO wants you to be safe on New Year's Eve. The Traffic Unit will be patrolling tonight to make sure motorists are not driving drunk.

Drunk drivers are a threat to everyone’s safety.

Studies show that alcohol-related accidents kill someone every 31 minutes and injure someone every two minutes in the United States.

If you’re going to be drinking, designate a driver or call a cab.

Click here to watch our public safety announcements.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Rainy Day Driving

Rain is blamed for many traffic accidents each year but most are preventable if drivers know what to do. That’s why CCSO has put together a list of tips that will help you stay safe on the road when it’s raining.

Click here to watch a video about our wet weather driving tips.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Sidewalk Safety

Walking saves gas and improves your health, but pedestrians need to be vigilant in order to avoid becoming a traffic statistic.

We have advice that can keep you safe when you go for a walk.

Click here to see a CCSO video about pedestrian safety.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Does Your Car Fit?

CCSO-trained specialists go through a 12-point checklist to help senior drivers make sure they are properly “fitted” for their cars and make sure they are driving safely.

To schedule a Car Fit session please call 793-9155, or e-mail us at trafficsafety@colliersheriff.net

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Drive Safe Over Christmas

CCSO wants you to drive safe over the Christmas holiday.

The Traffic Unit will be watching for impaired drivers.

If you’re going to be drinking, designate a driver, or call a cab.

Deputies will also be patrolling to make sure drivers are obeying speed limits.


Watch your speed and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Red Says Stop

Red-light running is a national problem that kills and injures thousands of people each year.

Red-light running costs the public billions.

Red-light cameras are found to reduce violations, prevent crashes and save lives.

Click here to see a PowerPoint about red-light cameras.

Click here to watch a red-light running video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Keep Your Child Safe

When it comes to vehicles, when do know when your children need to be in a car seat? When do you know when they need to be in a booster seat?

Florida's laws regarding child restraint in vehicles are designed to help keep your children safe.

Click here to learn about Florida's child restraint laws.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Traffic Hot Spots

These are the Top 10 traffic complaints called in to the ZOOM hotline from Dec. 16-23:

1. Golden Gate Parkway and Livingston Road – Red-light running
2. Collier Boulevard at U.S. 41 East – Aggressive driving
3. Pine Ridge Road at I-75 – Speeding
4. Livingston Road at Orange Blossom Drive – Speeding
5. Vanderbilt Beach Road at U.S. 41 North – Red-light running
6. Sixth Street Southwest – Speeding
7. Immokalee Road at Wilson Boulevard – Speeding
8. Rattlesnake Hammock Road at County Barn Road – Aggressive driving
9. U.S. 41 North at Immokalee Road – Aggressive driving
10. Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge Roads – Red-light running

Don't Toss Butts

Did you know that it’s a crime to toss a lit cigarette from a car?

It is.

Offenders could be arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

Deputies are on the lookout for motorists who toss cigarettes or any other lit substances onto Collier County roadways.

It is a violation of Florida law to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance onto a roadway, or any substance that could cause a wildfire.

The discarding of lit substances can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of habitat, homes and even lives can result from discarding a lit substance onto a roadway.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Sidewalk Safety

Walking saves gas and improves your health, but pedestrians need to be vigilant in order to avoid becoming a traffic statistic.

We have advice that can keep you safe when you go for a walk.

Click here to see a CCSO video about pedestrian safety.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Red Means Stop

When the yellow lights on the school bus are flashing, that’s your sign to slow down.

When the red lights on the bus are flashing, that’s your sign to stop.

To make sure motorists heed these signs, throughout the school year, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on motorists that pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload children.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brake lights working properly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

Collier County sheriff’s deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Traffic Hot Spots

These are the Top 10 traffic complaints called in to the ZOOM hotline from Dec. 9 to 16:

1. Airport-Pulling and Radio roads – Aggressive driving
2. Night Hawk Drive – Speeding
3. Immokalee Road at Collier Boulevard – Aggressive driving
4. Collier Boulevard at Davis Boulevard – Speeding
5. U.S. 41 at Vanderbilt Beach Road – Red-light running
6. Golden Gate Parkway at Airport-Pulling Road – Red-light running
7. U.S. 41 East at Airport Road – Aggressive driving
8. Rattlesnake Hammock Road at Collier Boulevard – Aggressive driving
9. Pine Ridge Road at I-75 – Speeding
10. U.S. 41 East at Collier Boulevard - Speeding

Move Over, It's The Law

Florida Statute 316.126 requires drivers to move over and away from stopped emergency vehicles. The purpose of the law is to protect law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS workers while they are on the scene of an accident or other roadside emergency.

Under the law, drivers must:

* Approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped along the highway with its lights flashing.

* Move away from emergency vehicles when traveling on a multilane highway.

* Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit or to 5 mph when the speed limit is 20 mph or less or if changing lanes safely is not an option. Florida Statute 316.126 requires drivers to move over and away from stopped emergency vehicles. The purpose of the law is to protect law enforcement officers, firefighters

Monday, December 15, 2008

Don't Toss Butts

Did you know that it’s a crime to toss a lit cigarette from a car?

It is.

Offenders could be arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

Deputies are on the lookout for motorists who toss cigarettes or any other lit substances onto Collier County roadways.

It is a violation of Florida law to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance onto a roadway, or any substance that could cause a wildfire.

The discarding of lit substances can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of habitat, homes and even lives can result from discarding a lit substance onto a roadway.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Drive Safe

CCSO wants you to drive safe.

The Traffic Unit is patrolling to make sure drivers are obeying speed limits. Watch your speed and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

If you’re going to be drinking, designate a driver, or call a cab.


Click here to watch our public safety announcements and learn more about CCSO Traffic.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Red Means Stop

When the yellow lights on the school bus are flashing, that’s your sign to slow down.

When the red lights on the bus are flashing, that’s your sign to stop.

To make sure motorists heed these signs, throughout the school year, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on motorists that pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload children.

Deputies handed out nearly two dozen citations to motorists for passing stopped school buses and speeding near bus stops during a crackdown in February.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Keep Your Kids Safe

When it comes to vehicles, do know when your children need to be in a car seat? Do you know when they need to be in a booster seat?

Florida's laws regarding child restraint in vehicles are designed to help keep your children safe.

Click here to learn about Florida's child restraint laws.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, Dec. 8:

Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads – Red-light running
Sunshine Boulevard and 16th Place Southwest – Speeding
Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Hawaii Boulevard – Red-light Running

Tuesday, Dec. 9:

Collier Boulevard and Club Estates Circle - Speeding
U.S. 41 North and Pine Ridge Road – Red-light Running
Everglades Boulevard – Speeding

Wednesday, Dec. 10:

Airport-Pulling and Radio roads – Red-light running
Palm River Boulevard and Palm View Drive - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and Verona Lane – Speeding

Thursday, Dec. 11:

Orange Blossom Drive and Livingston Road – Red-light Running
Santa Barbara Boulevard at I-75 overpass – Speeding
Airport-Pulling Road and Rustic Oaks Circle – Speeding

Friday, Dec. 12:

Pine Ridge and Goodlette roads – Red-light Running
Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach roads – Red-light Running
Oakes Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Aggressive Driving

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Are You Aggressive?

Aggressive driving causes crashes and deaths on our roadways. Do you ever catch yourself doing one or more of the following while driving?
- speeding
- changing lanes unsafely or without signaling
- tailgating
- failing to yield the right of way
- illegal passing
- running red lights, stop signs, or yield signsIf you find yourself driving carelessly, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

- Plan ahead and allow for plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Listen to soothing music when you drive.
- Obey the speed limit and limit your distractions, like eating, drinking, or talking on your phone.

How should you handle an aggressive driver?
- Try to get out of their way safely.- Do not attempt to catch up to them.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Ignore any gestures.

To report aggressive driving call 239.793.9300 or the ZOOM traffic hotline at 530-ZOOM. Call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Steer Clear Of Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive drivers make roads unsafe for everyone, particularly in places like Southwest Florida where traffic can get heavy.

That’s why motorists should be aware of how they can spot aggressive drivers and know what to do when they encounter them.

Click here to see the CCSO’s tip sheet on coping with aggressive drivers.

Rainy Day Driving

Rain is blamed for many traffic accidents each year but most are preventable if drivers know what to do. That’s why CCSO has put together a list of tips that will help you stay safe on the road when it’s raining.

Click here to watch a video about our wet weather driving tips.

Monday, December 1, 2008

These are the top ten complaints called in to the ZOOM traffic hotline between Nov. 2 and Dec. 2:

1. St. Andrews Boulevard - Speeding
2. Pine Ridge Road and I-75 – Aggressive driving
3. Crown Point Boulevard at Immokalee Road – Aggressive driving
4. Vanderbilt Beach Road at U.S. 41 N. – Red-light running
5. Airport and Immokalee roads – Aggressive driving
6. Radio Road - Speeding
7. Rattlesnake Hammock Road and U.S. 41 East - Red-light running
8. 13th Street S.W. and Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
9. Goodlette-Frank and Vanderbilt Beach roads – Red-light running
10. Biscayne Drive – Speeding

Keep Your Child Safe

When it comes to vehicles, do you know when your children need to be in a car seat? Do you know when they need to be in a booster seat?

Florida's laws regarding child restraint in vehicles are designed to help keep your children safe.

Click here to learn about Florida's child restraint laws.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Don't Toss Butts

Did you know that it’s a crime to toss a lit cigarette from a car?

It is.

Offenders could be arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

Deputies are on the lookout for motorists who toss cigarettes or any other lit substances onto Collier County roadways.

It is a violation of Florida law to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance onto a roadway, or any substance that could cause a wildfire.

The discarding of lit substances can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of habitat, homes and even lives can result from discarding a lit substance onto a roadway.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Drive Safe Over Thanksgiving

CCSO wants you to drive safe over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Traffic Unit will be watching for impaired drivers.

If you’re going to be drinking, designate a driver, or call a cab.

Deputies will also be patrolling to make sure drivers are obeying speed limits.

Watch your speed and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brakes working correctly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

CCSO deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise awareness about driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

These are the traffic hot spots reported to the ZOOM hotline between Nov. 18 and Nov. 25.

1. Southwest Boulevard – Speeding
2. U.S. 41 East at Collier Boulevard - Speeding
3. Santa Barbara Boulevard and Golden Gate Parkway – Red-light running
4. Pine Ridge Road and Forest Lakes Boulevard – Red-light running
5. Collier Boulevard at Rattlesnake-Hammock Road – Red-light running
6. Goodlette Frank and Immokalee roads - Speeding
7. Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach roads – Red-light running
8. Golden Gate Parkway at Collier Boulevard – Speeding
9. Livingston Road at Orange Blossom Drive – Speeding
10. Immokalee Road at I-75 – Red-light running

Monday, November 24, 2008

Red Says Stop

Red-light running is a national problem that kills and injures thousands of people each year.

Red-light running costs the public billions.

Red-light cameras are found to reduce violations, prevent crashes and save lives.

Click here to see a PowerPoint about red-light cameras.

Click here to watch a red-light running video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brake lights working properly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

Collier County sheriff’s deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Pedal Power

Biking is a lot of fun if you follow the rules.

Statistics show that more than 10,000 children and adolescents are hospitalized in the U.S. each year as a result of a bike injury. That's why CCSO works hard to promote bicycle safety.

Click here to see a bicycle safety video.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Traffic Hot Spots

These are the Top 10 traffic complaints called in to the ZOOM hotline from Nov. 11 to Nov. 18:

1. Collier and Davis boulevards – Aggressive driving
2. Santa Barbara Boulevard at Golden Gate Parkway – Aggressive driving
3. U.S. 41 East at Lakewood Boulevard – Aggressive driving
4. Pine Ridge Road at I-75 – Aggressive driving
5. Collier Boulevard at Rattlesnake-Hammock Road – Red-light running
6. U.S. 41 North at 99th Avenue North - Speeding
7. Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach roads – Red-light running
8. Golden Gate Parkway at Collier Boulevard – Speeding
9. Heritage Green Drive at Laurel Oaks Elementary – Aggressive driving
10. Immokalee Road at I-75 – Red-light running

Drive Safe

CCSO wants you to drive safe.

The Traffic Unit is patrolling to make sure drivers are obeying speed limits.

Watch your speed and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

If you’re going to be drinking, designate a driver, or call a cab.

Click here to watch our public safety announcements and learn more about CCSO Traffic.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brakes working correctly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

CCSO deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise awareness about driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Does Your Car Fit?

CCSO-trained specialists go through a 12-point checklist to help senior drivers make sure they are properly “fitted” for their cars and make sure they are driving safely.

To schedule a Car Fit session please call 793-9155 or e-mail us at trafficsafety@colliersheriff.net

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Steer Clear Of Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive drivers make roads unsafe for everyone, particularly in places like Southwest Florida where traffic can get heavy.

That’s why motorists should be aware of how they can spot aggressive drivers and know what to do when they encounter them.

Click here to see the CCSO’s tip sheet on coping with aggressive drivers.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots for Nov. 17:

Monday, Nov. 17:

U.S. 41 East and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running
Davis Boulevard at East Naples Middle School – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and Tower Road – Aggressive driving

Tuesday, Nov. 18:

Golden Gate Parkway and Airport-Pulling Road – Red-light running
U.S. 41 East and Pineland Avenue – Speeding
S.R. 29 and Village Oaks Elementary – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, Nov. 19:

18th Avenue Northeast - Speeding
Immokalee Road at Saturnia Lakes - Speeding
Golden Gate Parkway and Livingston Road – Aggressive driving

Thursday, Nov. 20:

Livingston and Immokalee roads – Red-light running
Jung and Wilson boulevards – Speeding
Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads – Aggressive driving

Friday, Nov. 21:

U.S. 41 North and Pine Ridge Road – Red-light running
U.S. 41 East and Bayshore Drive – Speeding
Naples Boulevard - Speeding

Red Means Stop

When the yellow lights on the school bus are flashing, that’s your sign to slow down.

When the red lights on the bus are flashing, that’s your sign to stop.

To make sure motorists heed these signs, throughout the school year, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on motorists that pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload children.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Leading The Way

CCSO's traffic unit is on the leading edge of traffic safety.

Whether they're citing speeders or red-light runners, pulling unsafe dump trucks off the road or educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving, deputies are earning big honors.

CCSO has won multiple awards for its work in traffic, most recently earning a first place in the Florida Department of Transportation's Law Enforcement Challenge. CCSO took top honors in that same competition in 2004 and 2006.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Keep Your Kids Safe

When it comes to vehicles, do know when your children need to be in a car seat? Do you know when they need to be in a booster seat?

Florida's laws regarding child restraint in vehicles are designed to help keep your children safe.

Click here to learn about Florida's child restraint laws.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brakes working correctly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

CCSO deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise awareness about driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, Nov. 10:

Vanderbilt Beach Road and Island Walk Circle - Speeding
16th Place Southwest and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Speeding
I-75 Exit and Pine Ridge Road – Red-light running

Tuesday, Nov. 11:

Airport-Pulling Road at Barron Collier High School - Speeding
Golden Gate Parkway and Livingston Road – Aggressive driving
Immokalee Road and Twin Eagles Boulevard – Speeding

Wednesday, Nov. 12:

Kings Lake Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and Club Estates Circle - Speeding
U.S. 41 and Triangle Boulevard – Speeding

Thursday, Nov. 13:

Collier Boulevard and Tower Road - Speeding
Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads – Red-light running
Lake Trafford Road - Speeding

Friday, Nov. 14:

Davis and Collier boulevards – Red-light running
Bonita Beach Road and West Avenue – Speeding
Logan and Green boulevards – Red-light running

Rainy Day Driving

The rainy season is here.

Rain is blamed for many traffic accidents each year but most are preventable if drivers know what to do. That’s why CCSO has put together a list of tips that will help you stay safe on the road when it’s raining.

Click here to watch a video about our wet weather driving tips.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brake lights working properly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

Collier County sheriff’s deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Sidewalk Safety

Walking saves gas and improves your health, but pedestrians need to be vigilant in order to avoid becoming a traffic statistic.

We have advice that can keep you safe when you go for a walk.

Click here to see a CCSO video about pedestrian safety.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, Nov. 3
DeSoto Boulevard and 4th Avenue Northeast –Speeding
Lakewood Boulevard – Speeding
Immokalee Road and Palm River Boulevard - Speeding

Tuesday, Nov. 4
Logan Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road – Red Light Running
U.S. 41 East and Collier Boulevard – Aggressive Driving
U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Red Light Running

Wednesday, Nov. 5
Santa Barbara Boulevard at I-75 overpass – Speeding
Main and South First Streets – Aggressive Driving
Livingston and Immokalee Roads – Red Light Running

Thursday, Nov. 6
Golden Gate Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Aggressive Driving
Collier Boulevard and Verona Lane – Speeding
Airport-Pulling Road and Davis Boulevard – Red Light Running

Friday, Nov. 7
Logan Boulevard and Immokalee Road – Speeding
Airport Pulling and Pine Ridge roads – Red Light Running
Everglades Boulevard - Speeding

Leading The Way

CCSO's traffic unit is on the leading edge of traffic safety.

Whether they're citing speeders or red-light runners, pulling unsafe dump trucks off the road or educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving, deputies are earning big honors.

CCSO has won multiple awards for its work in traffic, most recently earning a first place in the Florida Department of Transportation's Law Enforcement Challenge. CCSO took top honors in that same competition in 2004 and 2006.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Red Means Stop

When the yellow lights on the school bus are flashing, that’s your sign to slow down.

When the red lights on the bus are flashing, that’s your sign to stop.

To make sure motorists heed these signs, throughout the school year, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on motorists that pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload children.

Deputies handed out nearly two dozen citations to motorists for passing stopped school buses and speeding near bus stops during a crackdown earlier this year.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Stay Focused While Driving

In most cases, the ability to multi-task is a talent to be admired.

Helping your son with his homework while you’re whipping up dinner? Good for you. Balancing your checkbook while watching the evening news? Way to go.

But make no mistake: Behind the wheel, multi-tasking can be deadly.

AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that driver distraction causes or contributes to 25 to 50 percent of all auto accidents.

Putting on makeup, glancing over a magazine article, eating, talking on the phone and other activities that take a driver’s attention off the road should be avoided. Looking away from the road for even a second or two can be disastrous.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has advice to help you stay focused when you’re behind the wheel.

* If you’re hungry or thirsty, park your car and take a break to eat or drink. You can eat in your parked car, in a restaurant or at a roadside park.

* Adjust the vehicle’s radio, temperature, rear-view mirrors and seats before you put the key in the ignition.

* Eliminate temptation by putting newspapers, magazines and day planners in the trunk until you arrive at your destination.

* Avoid complex or emotional conversations with passengers until you arrive at your destination.

* If you must use talk on the cell phone or send a text message, pull over to the side of the road to do it.

* Attend to personal grooming like combing your hair or applying makeup before you start driving.

* If children in the vehicle need to be disciplined or calmed, pull over and stop the car before doing it.

* If you drive past an accident stay focused on your driving and don’t give in to the temptation to try to see what’s going on.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Don't Toss Butts

Did you know it’s a crime to toss a lit cigarette from a car?

It is.

Offenders could be arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

Deputies are on the lookout for motorists who toss cigarettes or any other lit substances onto Collier County roadways.

It is a violation of Florida law to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance onto a roadway, or any substance that could cause a wildfire.

The discarding of lit substances can cause major environmental, social and economic damages.

The loss of habitat, homes and even lives can result from discarding a lit substance onto a roadway.

So keep your butts in your car.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Keep Your Kids Safe

When it comes to vehicles, do know when your children need to be in a car seat? Do you know when they need to be in a booster seat?

Florida's laws regarding child restraint in vehicles are designed to help keep your children safe.

Click here to learn about Florida's child restraint laws.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

These are the Top 10 traffic complaints called in to the ZOOM hotline from Oct. 21 to 28:

1. Yahl Street - Speeding
2. Collier Boulevard at I-75 – Red-light running
3. Forest Lakes Boulevard – Speeding
4. Goodlette-Frank and Immokalee roads - Red-light running
5. I-75 at Pine Ridge Road - Speeding
6. Immokalee Road at Gulf Coast High School – Aggressive driving
7. Vanderbilt Beach Road at U.S. 41 North – Red-light running
8. Santa Barbara and Davis boulevards – Red-light running
9. Golden Gate Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard - Speeding
10. U.S. 41 North at Immokalee Road - Speeding

Monday, October 27, 2008

Does Your Car Fit?

CCSO-trained specialists go through a 12-point checklist to help senior drivers make sure they are properly “fitted” for their cars and make sure they are driving safely.

To schedule a Car Fit session please call 793-9155 or e-mail us at trafficsafety@colliersheriff.net

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Leading The Way

CCSO's traffic unit is on the leading edge of traffic safety.

Whether they're citing speeders or red-light runners, pulling unsafe dump trucks off the road or educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving, deputies are earning big honors.

CCSO has won multiple awards for its work in traffic, most recently earning a first place in the Florida Department of Transportation's Law Enforcement Challenge. CCSO took top honors in that same competition in 2004 and 2006.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, Oct. 27:

Livingston and Immokalee roads – Red-light running
Collier Boulevard and Verona Court - Speeding
Golden Gate Boulevard and 5th Street Southwest – Speeding

Tuesday, Oct. 28:

Golden Gate Parkway and I-75 Exit - Speeding
Everglades Boulevard and I-75 - Speeding
Airport-Pulling Road and Estey Avenue – Red-light running

Wednesday, Oct. 29:

Collier and Forest Glen boulevards – Speeding
Immokalee Road at Twin Eagles – Aggressive driving
Lakeland Avenue and Palmetto Ridge Drive- Speeding

Thursday, Oct. 30:

Pine Ridge Road at Pine Ridge Middle School – Red-light running
Davis Boulevard and County Barn Road – Red-light running
Vanderbilt Beach Road and Island Walk Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Friday, Oct. 31:

Pine Ridge Road and Cypress Glen Way – Aggressive driving
Immokalee Road and U.S. 41 North – Red-light running
Main Street and North 9th Street – Red-light running

Don't Toss Butts

Did you know it’s a crime to toss a lit cigarette from a car?

It is.

Offenders could be arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

Deputies are on the lookout for motorists who toss cigarettes or any other lit substances onto Collier County roadways. It is a violation of Florida law to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance onto a roadway, or any substance that could cause a wildfire.

The discarding of lit substances can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of habitat, homes and even lives can result from discarding a lit substance onto a roadway.

So keep your butts in your car.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sidewalk Safety

Walking saves gas and improves your health, but pedestrians need to be vigilant in order to avoid becoming a traffic statistic.

We have advice that can keep you safe when you go for a walk.

Click here to see a CCSO video about sidewalk safety.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Keep Your Child Safe

When it comes to vehicles, do you know when your children need to be in a car seat? Do you know when they need to be in a booster seat?

Florida's laws regarding child restraint in vehicles are designed to help keep your children safe.

Click here to learn about Florida's child restraint laws.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Traffic Hot Spots

These are the Top 10 traffic complaints called in to the ZOOM hotline from Oct. 14-21:

1. Livingston and Pine Ridge roads – Speeding
2. U.S. 41 East at Collier Boulevard - Speeding
3. Ibis Cove Circle – Speeding
4. Pine Ridge Road and Forest Lakes Boulevard – Red-light running
5. Collier Boulevard at Rattlesnake-Hammock Road – Red-light running
6. Brantley Boulevard - Speeding
7. Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach roads – Red-light running
8. Golden Gate Parkway at Collier Boulevard – Speeding
9. Biscayne Drive – Speeding
10. Immokalee Road at I-75 – Red-light running

Red Says Stop

Red-light running is a national problem that kills and injures thousands of people each year.

Red-light running costs the public billions.

Red-light cameras are found to reduce violations, prevent crashes and save lives.

Click here to see a PowerPoint about red-light cameras.

Click here to watch a red-light running video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Is Your Car's Equipment Safe?

Are your car’s brake lights working properly?

What about turn signals and windshield wipers?

Collier County sheriff’s deputies are cracking down on vehicle equipment violations.

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout the year to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving an unsafe, ill-equipped vehicle.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Stay Focused While Driving

In most cases, the ability to multi-task is a talent to be admired.

Helping your son with his homework while you’re whipping up dinner? Good for you. Balancing your checkbook while watching the evening news? Way to go.

But make no mistake: Behind the wheel, multi-tasking can be deadly.

AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that driver distraction causes or contributes to 25 to 50 percent of all auto accidents.

Putting on makeup, glancing over a magazine article, eating, talking on the phone and other activities that take a driver’s attention off the road should be avoided. Looking away from the road for even a second or two can be disastrous.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has advice to help you stay focused when you’re behind the wheel.

* If you’re hungry or thirsty, park your car and take a break to eat or drink. You can eat in your parked car, in a restaurant or at a roadside park.

* Adjust the vehicle’s radio, temperature, rear-view mirrors and seats before you put the key in the ignition.

* Eliminate temptation by putting newspapers, magazines and day planners in the trunk until you arrive at your destination.

* Avoid complex or emotional conversations with passengers until you arrive at your destination.

* If you must use talk on the cell phone or send a text message, pull over to the side of the road to do it.

* Attend to personal grooming like combing your hair or applying makeup before you start driving.

* If children in the vehicle need to be disciplined or calmed, pull over and stop the car before doing it.

* If you drive past an accident stay focused on your driving and don’t give in to the temptation to try to see what’s going on.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Does Your Car Fit?

CCSO-trained specialists go through a 12-point checklist to help senior drivers make sure they are properly “fitted” for their cars and make sure they are driving safely.

To schedule a Car Fit session please call 793-9155 or e-mail us at trafficsafety@colliersheriff.net

Friday, October 17, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots for the week of Oct. 20

Monday, Oct. 20

U.S. 41 E. and Thomasson Drive – Aggressive driving
Interstate 75 and Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
Piper Boulevard – Speeding

Tuesday, Oct. 21

U.S. 41 N. and Old U.S. 41 - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road – Red-light running
Livingston Road and Veterans Memorial Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Lakewood and Davis boulevards – Red-light running
Goodlette-Frank and Vanderbilt Beach roads – Speeding
U.S. 41 E. and Bayshore Drive - Speeding

Thursday, Oct. 23

Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Logan Boulevard South – Speeding
Immokalee Road and Palm River Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Friday, Oct. 24

White Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and Heritage Greens - Speeding
Immokalee and Airport-Pulling roads – Red-light running

Traffic Fatalities Down

Traffic fatalities have been on a steady decline in Collier County, thanks in part to CCSO's focus on education, awareness and enforcement of traffic laws.

Traffic enforcement is an agencywide effort at CCSO.

Click here to watch our video.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Red Means Stop

When the yellow lights on the school bus are flashing, that’s your sign to slow down.

When the red lights on the bus are flashing, that’s your sign to stop.

To make sure motorists heed these signs, throughout the school year, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on motorists that pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload children.

Deputies handed out nearly two dozen citations to motorists for passing stopped school buses and speeding near bus stops during a crackdown earlier this year.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Steer Clear Of Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive drivers make roads unsafe for everyone, particularly in places like Southwest Florida where traffic can get heavy.

That’s why motorists should be aware of how they can spot aggressive drivers and know what to do when they encounter them.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Don't Toss Butts

Did you know it’s a crime to toss a lit cigarette from a car?

It is.

Offenders could be arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

Deputies are on the lookout for motorists who toss cigarettes or any other lit substances onto Collier County roadways. It is a violation of Florida law to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance onto a roadway, or any substance that could cause a wildfire.

The discarding of lit substances can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of habitat, homes and even lives can result from discarding a lit substance onto a roadway.

So keep your butts in your car.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Traffic Hot Spots

1. Night Hawk Drive - Speeding
2. Airport Road at Davis Boulevard – Aggressive driving
3. Pine Ridge Road at I-75 – Speeding
4. Collier Boulevard at Immokalee Road – Speeding
5. Vanderbilt Beach Road at U.S. 41 North – Red-light running
6. Livingston and Immokalee roads – Speeding
7. Immokalee Road at Wilson Boulevard – Speeding
8. Rattlesnake Hammock and County Barn roads – Aggressive driving
9. Santa Barbara Boulevard at Radio Road – Aggressive driving
10. Immokalee Road at U.S. 41 North – Red-light running

Red Means Stop

Red-light running is a national problem that kills and injures thousands of people each year. Red-light running costs the public billions.Red-light cameras are found to reduce violations, prevent crashes and save lives.

Click here to see a PowerPoint about red-light cameras.

Click here to watch a red-light running video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

On The Leading Edge

CCSO's traffic unit is on the leading edge of traffic safety.

Whether they're citing speeders or red-light runners, pulling unsafe dump trucks off the road or educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving, deputies are earning big honors.

CCSO has won multiple awards for its work in traffic, most recently earning a first place in the Florida Department of Transportation's Law Enforcement Challenge. CCSO took top honors in that same competition in 2004 and 2006.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Steer Clear Of Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive drivers make roads unsafe for everyone, particularly in places like Southwest Florida where traffic can get heavy.

That’s why motorists should be aware of how they can spot aggressive drivers and know what to do when they encounter them.

Click here to see the CCSO’s tip sheet on coping with aggressive drivers.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Traffic Enforcement Spots

These are the traffic enforcement spots for the week of Oct. 13:

Monday, Oct. 13:

Golden Gate Parkway and Livingston Road – Aggressive driving
Immokalee Road and I-75 – Red-light running
St. Andrews Boulevard - speeding

Tuesday, Oct. 14:

Pine Ridge Road at Pine Ridge Middle School – Aggressive driving
Immokalee Road and Palm River Boulevard - Speeding
U.S. 41 and Rattlesnake Hammock Road - Speeding

Wednesday, Oct. 15:

Oakes Boulevard – Speeding
Collier and Naples Heritage boulevards - Speeding
Estey Avenue – Aggressive driving

Thursday, Oct. 16:

Livingston Road and Carlton Lakes Boulevard - Speeding
Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads – Red-light running
Jung Boulevard East - Speeding

Friday, Oct. 17:

Airport-Pulling Road at Pelican Marsh Elementary – Aggressive driving
Collier and Fiddlers Creek boulevards – Speeding
Radio Road and Davis Boulevard – Red-light running

Rainy Day Driving

The summer rainy season is here.

Rain is blamed for many traffic accidents each year but most are preventable if drivers know what to do.

That’s why CCSO has put together a list of tips to help keep you safe on the road when it’s raining.

Click here to watch a video about our wet weather driving tips.

Photo by Natalie Felber