Speeding in Waterford? Police Are On the Lookout

If you’ve got somewhere to be in a hurry and are contemplating speeding on Waterford’s local roads, police want you to know that they’re on the lookout now, more than ever.

The state Department of Transportation granted approval for Waterford to participate in a speed enforcement program on what they refer to as “high risk rural roads.”

“Waterford had approximately 1,655 motor vehicle accidents reported from 2011 through 2013,” according to police. “Approximately 40 percent however, occurred on local and collector roads or private property — not on state or interstate highways.”

The cause?

“The investigating officer attributed ‘traveling too fast for conditions’ and ‘driver losing control’ as contributing factors in at least 10 percent of those accidents, police said, adding that it is probable that speed “was a probable factor in many more, but could not be confirmed.”

About the Program

By participating in the federal safety program, Waterford Police Department will purchase improved speed detection equipment and assign one or two additional officers to a “stepped-up aggressive speed enforcement program two or three days each week from now through September 30, 2014,” according to police.

That allows officers to focus on speed enforcement, especially during the peak traffic hours of morning, evening, lunch time rush hours and shopping center/restaurant closing hours.

When School Starts

Once the school year begins, Waterford police will focus on local roads near schools during bus pick-up and drop-off  times.

“It is our expectation and goal that this stepped up enforcement will result reducing the number of speeders and speed related accidents on these roads as well as the state and interstate highways they interconnect with,” Waterford Police stated.

Which roads do you think deserve the designation of “high risk rural roads due to drivers who go too fast?