April 2024 | Distracted Driving Awareness
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM. It aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
The Winter Springs Police Department is a drop-off location for this event. If you have any unwanted prescription medications that you would like to dispose of, please do so at 300 N. Moss Rd. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 27th.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts the attention from driving. This includes talking to passengers, texting on your phone, eating, drinking, and manipulating the stereo or navigation system. Simply put, it is anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk for a crash.
Using a cell phone while driving creates an enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. In 2019, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
Section 316.305, Florida Statutes allows law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations to motorists that are texting and driving. A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers or symbols into a wireless communications device to text, email and instant message.
Section 316.306, Florida Statutes, prohibits the use of wireless communications devices in a handheld manner in school and work zones. A person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone area. Active work zone, as it pertains to Section 316.306, Florida Statutes, means that construction personnel are present or are operating equipment on the road or immediately adjacent to the work zone area.
If you feel strongly about distracted driving, be a voice in your community by supporting local laws, speaking out at community meetings, and highlighting the dangers of distracted driving on social media and in your local op-ed pages.
Find more information on this topic at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
Lock It or Lose It
The Winter Springs Police Department would like your help by following these tips to aid in reducing auto burglaries. Remember that the best prevention against thefts from vehicles is always to lock your vehicle and not leave valuables visible. Let’s get together in moving the thieves out of Winter Springs. Don’t be a victim; be safe. If you do see suspicious activity, it is essential to report it immediately to the Winter Springs Police Department by calling 911. If possible, get a good description of the person(s), his/her clothing, color and make of vehicle and direction of travel. It is not always possible to get a complete vehicle license number. Even a partial License number is helpful. If you are not sure where you are, look for a landmark or a street address on a building. If you feel uncomfortable about calling the police department, you can report suspicious activity anonymously to CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS or visit www.crimeline.org You don’t have to give your name.
Citizen’s Advisory Committee
The Winter Springs Police Department wants your input at our Citizen Advisory Committee meeting. The CAC meets the second Wednesday during the months of September through May. The CAC does not meet during the summer months. Come join us and meet community leaders, discuss community issues with the Police Department staff officers, and learn more about taking an active role in the security of your community.
The CAC meets at the Winter Springs Police Department (300 N. Moss Rd) at 6:30pm. Everyone who attends is encouraged to ask questions and talk about what is going on in their neighborhood. Light refreshments are served.
Help the Winter Springs Police Department:
Be a crime-stopper, not a victim. Lock your car and report suspicious activity.
Emergency | 911
Non-Emergency | 407-327-1000
