Traffic Safety

What do traffic engineers, road maintenance workers, bike and pedestrian advocates, deputy sheriffs and firefighters have in common? A concern for public safety! And traffic safety is a huge component of public safety.

Our goal is to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from road traffic collisions.  Contributing factors to road traffic crashes are related to the driver, the vehicle, the pedestrian, the bicyclist, and the road itself. Check out what officials can do and what you can do to help!

 

Go to eSubscriptions to sign up for the latest updates to this page and other great newsletters. You can also ask a traffic safety question on this site that will be answered by our team of experts and may be posted to our frequently asked questions page.

Feature TopicBe Prepared for Winter Road Conditions

County Truck SnowAs road conditions change and visibility is reduced due to weather and shorter daylight hours, motorists need to make extra efforts to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. At the same time, walkers and bicyclists need to take precautions and extra care to be seen. 
 
 
 
For more information check out our Winter Weather Safety Topics page.
 

Check for up-to-date road information:

http://www.wc-roads.com click on Winter Road Operations

http://www.wc-roads.com click on Road Closures

http://tripcheck.com for state highway conditions

 


What officials can do…

Traffic engineers refer to the 3 E's:  Engineering, Education, and Enforcement. 

  • Engineering tools include road design, pavement markings, warning and regulatory signs, and traffic calming devices, along with all the engineering that goes into the design and manufacture of vehicles. 
  • Education informs people through driver's education classes, media safety campaigns, signage, speed watch programs, and school and neighborhood meetings. 
  • Enforcement techniques include Sheriff's Office warnings and citations, along with radar trailers, speed display signs and radar reader boards.

 

What you can do…

Motorists today share the road with many more bicyclists, pedestrians, and farmers moving their equipment.  Here are the keys to safety for us all:

  • Speed – watch it!
  • Alcohol – do not drink and drive.
  • Seatbelts – wear them!
  • Helmets – if you are on a bike, a helmet should be on you. 
  • Visibility – when walking or biking, wear light and reflective colors.