By Michelle Gentile
For Hometown News
The statistics are sobering.
More than 42,000 people are killed on America's roadways each year.
One person dies every 13 minutes from a potentially preventable accident.
That's all according to the federal government's Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
To help deal with the tragedy on a local basis, Indian River County devoted Oct. 10th as the official day dedicated to traffic fatalities.
"We had the proclamation Oct. 2 with the sheriff, police, EMS but the actual day dedicated to traffic fatalities is Oct. 10," said Deputy Jeff Luther, Indian River County's sheriff's office, spokesman. "Its part of a national initiative called, 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities,' dedicated to ensuring safety on the roads."
In addition to having a day dedicated to traffic fatalities sheriff's office had "Slow Down to Save a Life."
It involved four take- down units and one disguised officer who handed out warning and tickets to drivers who were speeding.
"We are focusing on four specific areas that were chosen because of the number of speeding complaints received by our office," Deputy Wolfgang Weber said before the event.
The areas are; Vero Lakes Estates, Roseland, Gifford and around Second Street, from between 7 a.m. and 3p.m," said Deputy Weber of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office traffic unit.
Commenting before the operation, he said: "I will be in disguise and forewarning the other officers what cars are speeding. It's up to the specific officer whether drivers will receive a ticket. We will mostly be giving warning for individuals only 10-15 mph over the limit. If we find anyone 15 mph over the speed limit, they will definitely get a ticket."
With the population increasing and more vehicles on the road officers are reporting a rise in traffic fatalities in the Indian River area.
"More and more motorist are becoming impatient with others on the roadway. This initiative is to help drivers become more aware and generally more respectful," Deputy Weber said.
Statistics from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System shows Indian River having an increased fatality rate of 133.33%. This differs with the national rate, which went from an all time high in 2002 to the lowest recorded by the Department of Transportation in 2004.
"Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" was initiated by the National Society of Professional Engineers and has had an impact on reducing fatalities and improving overall driver behavior.
"We don't have any statistics now but in six months to a year we can compare fatalities and see how the program is working," Deputy Weber said. "We are trying to implement more programs like this and October 10 kicks it all off. We will have the Slow Down to Save a Life every month and really try to keep the roads and most importantly our citizens safe."
To learn more visit www.brakesonfatalities.org.