Huntsville Police Release Ten Reasons For Drivers to Be Aware

Huntsville, Alabama (August 4, 2005) Motorists in Huntsville will see additional Police Officers in school zones when classes start Monday. Many of the 8,205 traffic crashes in 2004 could have been avoided if Huntsville drivers were more attentive. So far this year, the City has recorded 29 traffic fatalities and those fatalities have Huntsville Police Chief Rex Reynolds concerned. Reynolds has instructed Officers to concentrate traffic enforcement efforts in the school zones as well as morning and afternoon rush hour across the City. Reynolds said there would be ZERO tolerance of motorists speeding through school zones and ignoring posted traffic signs. Public Safety Aides (school crossing guards) and Police will be on hand to assist children in the school zones.

Top Ten Contributing Circumstances of Motor Vehicle Crashes in 2004

1. Failure to Yield Right of Way ………………. 1,477
2. Misjudged Stopping Distance ……………….. 1,051
3. Following Too Close ………………………… 1,031
4. Driver Not In Control ………………………….  836
5. Unseen Object / Person / Vehicle ……………..   793
6. Failure to Obey Sign / Signal …………………    579
7. Improper Lane Change or Usage ……………..    400
8. Unknown ………………………………………   279
9. Avoid Object Person or Vehicle ……………….   224
10. Other …………………………………………… 210