LAWTON Okla_ The number of
car crashes with injuries is on the rise in Lawton and police say with more drivers on
the road during the holiday season, the wrecks will likely rise, too.
In the past
month, police were called to 50 accidents with injuries. Five of them were
deadly. They said while they know accidents will happen, they hope additional patrols
will help keep them under control.
Chief of Police
James Smith said he has plenty of concerns. One of them is that the majority of
accidents that have happened over the past month have been caused by sober
drivers. He said as the roads continue to bustle with holiday traffic, more of
those drivers could be climbing behind the wheel after they've had too much to
drink.
Chief Smith said
this time of year, the problem is only compounded.
"With Christmas
and New Years Day coming, there will be a lot of parties. School is going to be
out. There are going to be a lot of families out traveling."
Smith said the
cause of this month's increased number of accidents has varied.
"It's not
something I can pinpoint as a single cause. I can't single out speeding,
texting, or alcohol involvement. It's been a multitude of things."
He said
drinking or not, there are things you can do as a driver to ensure a safe
holiday for you, your family and others sharing the road.
"The last
thing anyone wants to be faced with this time of year is a tragedy in their
family, the loss of loved one, or an injury. You don't want to spend the
holidays in the hospital."
He said if
you're behind the wheel, turn down the radio, put down your phone, and keep
your eyes one the road. If you don't, the unexpected is sure to happen.
"I just
trust in human nature that people are not going to get behind the wheel with
the intent to hurt someone, but once that happens they are remorseful and very
regretful."
If you follow
basic safety driving procedures and simply slow down, Smith said you're sure to
have a safe holiday.
"Our real
focus is to slow people down and to preserve life and property and injuries. That's
the main focus."
Smith said
while you may be a safe driver who eliminates any distractions, you can be even
more defensive.
He said while
waiting at a red light, when it turns green, wait an extra second to go. He said
if someone blows through their red light, you'll be able to avoid a collision.
Smith said
police are also stepping up patrols on specific roads that are prone to
accident, as well as those where people are more likely to speed.
