This holiday season, please give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and remember to keep an eye out for more people on our roads, especially if it’s raining. 

We have been talking a lot about the importance of slowing down as part of our Safer Streets Together campaign, but, as you can see from the data below about the top causes of injury collisions in Carlsbad over the past give years, there are other easy ways to avoid accidents. So, please pay close attention on our roads, over the holidays and always. 

Carlsbad recognized at Traffic Safety Summit

Last week Carlsbad was invited to present information about e-bike safety and the Safer Streets campaign at a special statewide summit hosted by the California Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol. 

• This two-day event was an opportunity to exchange information, share best practices and learn about the latest traffic safety trends. 
• The data presented by state agencies showed that the traffic safety concerns we have here in Carlsbad are playing out in cities throughout California.
• Carlsbad was honored to be one of two agencies in the state to be recognized with a traffic safety excellence award during the summit. 

Safer together

As always, we really rely on each of you to do your part to keep our local streets safe. Here are some important reminders for being safe in rainy weather:

1. Drive slowly when roads are wet and leave extra room between your car and the car ahead of you.
2. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
3. Never attempt to cross a flooded area. Swiftly flowing water as shallow as 1 foot can easily sweep a car from the road.

More rain safety tips.

And rain or no rain, here are some important things to keep in mind always:

• Eliminate distractions. Put your phone out of reach and lower the music so you can focus on the road. 
• It’s getting dark out earlier. Wear bright clothing and reflective gear when you’re walking or biking at night, and make sure your family’s bikes have working front and rear lights. 
• Talk to your family about the rules of the road, including rules for pedestrians and bicyclists and Carlsbad-specific e-bike rules. 
• Stay alert for people backing out of driveways, pulling out of parking spots and people walking and biking.

Before you head out, remember to review our map of major city construction projects that could impact traffic along your route. 

Work is happening through next Wednesday but off Thursday and Friday for the holiday.