The Springfield Police Department is announcing an enhanced traffic enforcement initiative in response to a string of recent fatal crashes. The high-visibility plan includes message boards informing drivers of police presence ahead and officers parking their cars on highly-traveled roads with their blue lights on. Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said yesterday that drivers need to pay attention, slow down and put their phones away.
“The goal here is compliance. We want drivers to pay attention, slow down and put their phones away. We want drivers and pedestrians to get home safely. We want to alert all drivers of police presence ahead so that they slow down and we do not have to issue a citation or investigate another fatal crash. As it gets dark earlier, we urge pedestrians and bicyclists to follow the rules of the road and be bright and visible. When you cross the street don’t assume a driver sees you or will slow down, because far too often they don’t. Our ultimate goal is public safety for everyone on the road,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
“Additionally, we need parents to step up and help educate their children and help keep them safe,” Mayor Sarno continued. “SPD recently caught and pulled over driver doing over 70 mph on State Street. It turned out the driver was only 18 years old and instead of the family upset at the child for speeding and driving recklessly where someone could have been seriously hurt or killed, including the young driver, the family has filed a complaint against the Police Officer for pulling their child over and giving them a speeding ticket. I swear, you cannot make this stuff up. Where is the responsible parent to hold their child accountable for their actions? What message is this sending our youth? I’ll tell you, this type of parenting is only setting up our children for failure as they grow up and we collectively need to do better for our children. I plead with our residents and families please talk to your children, if not for our community then for their safety and good health. Simply put, this is about public safety and saving lives, including the perpetrator.”
While increased traffic enforcement will continue, the first enhanced enforcement effort will take place along the State Street corridor on Friday.
(Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)