Extra officers, safety tips for traffic safety week

Expect to see extra law-enforcement men and women on area streets next week as they try to raise safety awareness of drivers, young and old.

The Green Valley Community Coordinating Council has a special program planned for next week, and Green Valley Sheriff’s Department area commander, Lt. L.T. Pratt, said extra officers will be in the area to help raise recognition of the hazards of driving.

Pratt said extra traffic deputies on motorcycles will be sent here as part of the plan. Sahuarita Police will also be on heightened alert as part of the special week. The state Department of Public Safety will also be on the lookout for errant drivers.

Pratt said the awareness program “is not about issuing citations or tickets. It’s designed more to remind drivers of the problems they could get into” once they get behind the wheel.

“We want to remind drivers to drive safely and to drive responsibly," he said.

The GVCCC’s Health and Human Services Committee chaired by Kathy Simpson and Traffic and Arroyos Committee chaired by Sandra Stone are coordinating the events.

In past years there had been a traffic awareness fair, but it was replaced this year with a short program that ties in with the work of law enforcement men and women.

The program will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, at the Friends in Deed building, 301 West Camino Casa Verde.

There’s no charge.

Two speakers will appear.

Paul Kline, of the Green Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary, will talk about driving tips for mature drivers. Kline writes an occasional public service column about safety for the Green Valley News.

Freelance columnist Ann Sirianni will share tips on how to exercise to help drivers keep “Fit to Drive.” She’s a clinical exercise specialist whose columns appear in the News.

Kathy Simpson said there’s no charge for the Wednesday’s event, “We’re hoping people who think they need help to prove their driving skills will come.”

She added, “We want to keep you behind the wheel longer and safer.”

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749

Details

What: Safety awareness program

When: 10 a.m. Wednesday

Where: Friends in Deed, 301 West Camino Casa Verde