Traffic Safety Programs

Shining a New Light on Traffic Safety
Decatur has installed an automated red light camera system at the intersection of Scott Boulevard and Clairemont Avenue. The system is designed to decrease the number and severity of accidents and increase pedestrian safety by controlling the running of red lights.

Since the system was installed in September 2002, 1,700 citations have been issued and accidents with injuries at that intersection have decreased by 25 percent. Revenues generated from citations go back into traffic safety programs.

Decatur was the first local government in Georgia to utilize an automated red light camera system.

School Zone Safety Tips
Now that the children are back in school, the Decatur Police Department has increased enforcement of violations in school zones.  Driver and pedestrian safety should be on everyone's mind.  

Many children are walking and biking to school, and younger children often lack the skills to negotiate traffic safely. Help them to walk safely by stressing the following safety rules.

• Walk on available sidewalks.
• Always cross at intersections.

When crossing intersections without signals or crossing guards:

• Stop before stepping into road.
• Increase visibility and indicate crossing intention.
• Look in all directions.
• Listen for traffic.
• Cross safely when the road is clear.
• Walk, do not run or cycle directly across road.
• Use the buddy system whenever possible.

When crossing intersections with signals:

• Push button (where they exist).
• Wait for pedestrian walk signal.
• Increase visibility and indicate crossing intention.
• Look and listen for traffic.
• Walk carefully, watch for turning motorists.

When crossing with the assistance of an adult crossing guard, children should cross under the guard's direction.

For Drivers  

Back to school means more children walking and biking on our roads. Because younger children often have limited experience with traffic – and lack the skills to negotiate traffic safely – motorists need to take special care while driving. Help our children walk safely to school by following these important safety rules.

• Reduce speed in school zones.
• Be aware of school zone signage.
• Be ready to stop at all times. Children do not always notice oncoming traffic.
• Always try to make eye contact with children wanting to cross the road.
• Be patient and wait for children to complete their crossing before proceeding.
• Obey all yield, stop and traffic signal controls. It's the law.
• Stop when a STOP paddle is held up by a crossing guard.