The Oswego Police Department is implementing a new Speed Watch Program in an effort to reduce speeding violations on residential streets and bring awareness to drivers on the negative impacts of speeding. In many neighborhoods, the disregard of motorists for posted speed limits is a significant safety risk. Research consistently shows a direct correlation between vehicle speed and the severity of injuries and fatalities, especially for pedestrians. The faster a motor vehicle is traveling when it hits a pedestrian, the greater the likelihood of a pedestrian fatality.
Through the Speed Watch Program, residents can take an active role in changing driver behavior on their neighborhood streets. Village residents can apply to borrow a radar unit from the Oswego Police Department free of charge for a week. The resident will be allowed to use the radar to record the speed and license plate numbers of speeding vehicles on their street. Residents are only allowed to use the radar while on their property and the recorded information will be provided to the police department. Police may send the vehicle owner a letter informing them of the observed violation and encouraging them or other drivers of their vehicle to adhere to posted speed limits. Additionally, police may also use the information to prioritize special enforcement on those residential streets.
“Speeding has been a frequent topic I’ve discussed with many community members,” said Village President Ryan Kauffman. “Not only does this program help our residents get involved, but it also creates awareness and accountability for drivers in the neighborhoods where our families walk, bike and play.”
Interested residents can apply to participate in the program by completing registration forms available at the Oswego Police Department. The process includes gathering supporting signatures from fellow residents on their street. Training on how to properly collect data, operate the radar equipment, and conduct their monitoring duties responsibly will be provided to program participants by the Oswego Police Department. The Oswego Police Department is located at 3355 Woolley Road, Oswego, and is open to the public Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit www.oswegoil.org/speedwatch for more information.
— Oswego Police Department