Residents live a busy life! You dart and dodge, stop and go, attend a club function, visit a friend … all year. But, at certain times of the year, our street capacity almost doubles when snowbirds return. This means that we host a lot of folks, especially during the holiday season when family and friends come to visit. This is okay, but there are certain precautions I would like to share with you all. With the volume of people comes traffic. Lots of it!
Everyone is important! So, as we go about our busy schedules, we must take safety seriously this time of year – or at any time of the year. My point is that an extra look from side to side at a stop sign before you proceed across or enter the traffic flow or a courteous “you can go first” sign in a parking lot can make a world of difference. Surrendering the right of way on the roads may deescalate any type of road rage. You have the power to be courteous; exercising that power demonstrates your ability to prove it.
Let us ensure those special dinners, long-awaited gifts, and all our incredible family members reach their destinations without incident. After all, the real gift we all bring to one another is you! The second most important thing is – smile. A smile (perhaps with chocolate?) goes a long way. Think safety as you travel around the community. We all need to practice safety during the busiest time of the year.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email safetydepartment@otowfl.com.
Author: Jonathan Miller
