HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8419 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8419
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council July 30, 2002
Subject: "Take Time To Stop,Take Time To Live"
During the week of July 22, 2002 the Fort Worth Police Department Traffic Division began an
aggressive campaign to reduce the number of red light and stop sign violations. This campaign
will be in effect for three weeks after which the success of this approach can be evaluated.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 1.8 million intersection, accidents
occur each year. In the year 2000, 1,036 deaths and 89,000 injuries resulted from these events.
Twelve percent of the recorded 10,343 accidents in Fort Worth from June 1, 2001 to June 30,
2002 occurred at intersections. Five of these involved fatalities.
This program is part of the Police Department's work to achieve the City Council's strategic goal
to become the nation's safest major city. The public is being informed through the media of our
intentions. The message will emphasize the importance of red light and stop sign compliance.
After the educational phase, which will last a week, there will be aggressive enforcement at
known violation locations along with high accident locations.
During the enforcement phase, which will last two weeks, low visibility motorcycle officers and
officers in unmarked vehicles will be used to monitor selected intersections and notify awaiting
marked units of the violations. Officers in marked units will take appropriate enforcement action.
The selected intersections will be taken from known violation locations, high complaint
locations, and high accident locations. These details will operate all over the city. Particular
locations and times will not be announced in advanced.
The Traffic Division will utilize on duty personnel to accomplish this task with supplemental
enforcement coming from the TxDot Grant Program. Increased grant monies will be utilized
during this two-week period to insure good coverage throughout the day. Further, during this
period the Patrol Division will focus on this campaign as time permits during their workday.
Between calls they will show a presence around intersections and take action when violations are
observed.
It is the Police Department's goal to have a high presence throughout the city and make a
significant impression on the citizens of how strongly the Fort Worth Police Department feels in
regards to the need for red light and stop sign compliance. If you have questions or would like
to nominate intersections for inclusion in this effort, please don't hesitate to call Chief Mendoza
at 817-877-8385.
Gary W. Ja son
�ity Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
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