Project S.A.F.E. Streets - Oakland University Police Department

In 2005, the City of Auburn Hills implemented a project known as S.A.F.E. Streets. An acronym for Stop Accidents From Escalating, S.A.F.E. Streets emphasizes crash reduction through the use of efficient traffic engineering, driver education and research based traffic enforcement. Along with other factors, S.A.F.E. Streets has contributed to a 20% reduction in reported crashes. In 2008, the Oakland University and Auburn Hills Police Departments partnered to expand the S.A.F.E. Streets outreach.

The goal of Project S.A.F.E. Streets is to educate drivers on safe driving techniques. The techniques will provide drivers with the knowledge needed to reduce their likelihood of becoming involved in a crash. It will keep both you and those driving near you S.A.F.E. This educational program and enforcement has been utilized since 2005 and it has led to a significant reduction of traffic crashes throughout our community. We want to explain how you may avoid becoming involved in a traffic crash.

Project S.A.F.E. Streets applies the three E’s of traffic safety (engineering, education, and enforcement) to accomplish its mission. As part of the project's traffic safety education plan, we ask that you review the following driving habits and use them where appropriate:

If you can, avoid driving in bad weather, such as during rain, sleet or snow.
Always wear your seatbelt.
Refrain from eating, drinking or using a cell phone while driving.
Posted speed limits are for optimal conditions. Adjust your speed accordingly.
On surface strees, use a three second gap while following another vehicle.
Use a five second gap for a following distance on highways.
Avoid erratic or abrupt lane changes and signal before you change lanes.
While traveling, scan the area ahead of you for potential hazards.
Where possible, visually scan intersections before you enter them.
Check your blind spots before changing lanes or backing up.
Do not asume the right of way is clear when someone waves you through.
Where possible, visually scan intersections before you enter them.
Allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. BE PATIENT.
Do not engage in traffic altercations.

The Auburn Hills and Oakland University Police Departments are committed to providing a safe environment for those who live, work or travel through our community. To comment on project S.A.F.E. Streets, please call AHPD Sergeant McDonnell at 248-364-6861 or OUPD Sergeant Ross at 248-370-3331.