Traffic enforcement is the number one complaint received from our residents. So far this year, there have been an increase of serious personal injury crashes related to traffic violations. The leading cause of crashes in residential areas is when vehicles ignore stop signs. Remember, a rolling stop is not a stop. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends stopping for three seconds, looking both ways and ahead if applicable, before proceeding through a stop sign. 

The Jupiter Police Department is preparing an educational campaign to ensure the safety of our motoring public. While the campaign will eventually culminate with an enforcement stage, our primary goal here is to avoid a tragedy by educating as many people as possible and gaining compliance.

We are asking all drivers to follow some basic safety rules.

• Always allow extra travel time. Traffic congestion–and the delays it causes–is among the primary factors that lead motorists to drive aggressively. By leaving extra travel time, you will be less inclined to drive aggressively in order to make up for time lost in congestion.
• Maintain an adequate distance from the vehicle in front of you so you're able to stop in time to avoid a collision. A "safe distance" depends on a variety of factors: weather, road conditions, time of day, and speed limit. In general, you should maintain one car-length between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 mph of speed.
• Always signal your intentions to other drivers when turning and changing lanes.
• Always come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Don't run yellow lights.
• Obey posted speed limits.
• Concentrate on your driving–not on your cell phone, stereo, passengers, or other distractions.

As always, I would like to remind you that we can’t do it alone, we need your help.  Remember to lock it, report suspicious activities and get involved in our community. I look forward to seeing you around town.

Don’t forget to visit us at www.jupiter.fl.us/jpd or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JupiterTownandPolice.
  

Sincerely,

Frank J. Kitzerow
Chief of Police