Traffic Safety

Traffic safety on our roadways is a strategic priority for the Jupiter Police Department. As part of this initiative, the police department has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for grant funding to increase our enforcement operations. Through enhanced education and enforcement we can decrease vehicle crashes and related injuries and fatalities to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Driving Risks

• Distracted driving and speeding are two of the most common contributing factors cited in fatal accidents.
• Impaired driving due to the use of alcohol, illegal substances or medications creates an extreme driving hazard.
• Occupants not utilizing safety belts or child seat restraints is a leading cause of vehicle crash injuries and fatalities.
• Distracted driving accounts for as much as 25 percent of car crashes. The most common distractions include the use of cell phones and texting, radio tuning, eating while driving, personal grooming or trying to grab out-of-reach objects.

Tips for Prevention

• Obey the speed limit signs – each road is calculated individually to determine the best speed for safe driving.
• Slow down on wet or low lit roads, during bad weather and in congested areas.
• Allow enough time to get to your destination and be patient – speeding usually won’t get you there faster; it will just get you there angrier.
• Always "buckle up" before driving.  Everyone in the vehicle must utilize their seatbelt and infants and small children always need to be restrained in child safety seats.
• Know the side effects of any medication you are taking. Be alert for any symptoms of impairment such as drowsiness, excitability, altered depth perception or delayed reaction time. Many over-the counter drugs can impair driving, particularly antihistamines and cough and cold medications.
• Don’t drink and drive, EVER.
• When you’re driving, DRIVE. Don’t multi-task.
• Adjust your mirrors, radio or temperature controls before you begin driving and not while you’re driving.
• Don’t reach under or behind the seat to retrieve things or turn around to talk to passengers.
• Put the cell phone down, especially in hazardous conditions such as heavy traffic, higher speeds or bad weather.