'Drive Wise' Program Encourages Drivers To Slow Down

Windsor neighborhoods are taking action in an attempt to slow drivers down as they make use of residential streets. 

Yellow signs that say: "Drive Wise" or "No Need To Speed" are popping up all over town as residents express ongoing concerns about excessive traffic flow near their homes.

As part of a continuing effort to calm traffic and adjust poor driving behaviors, the "Drive Wise" program is being offered as the education element of Windsor's traffic calming program. 

A resident representative leads each neighborhood campaign, and working with town staff, citizens coordinate the installation of signs on their street, which are meant to raise awareness to the traffic concerns. 

The signs, which are all yellow in order to catch drivers' attention, are stationed on front lawns for approximately three weeks. After the signs have been visible for a period of time, the Windsor Police Department begins to assist by stationing themselves in the neighborhoods to survey traffic and make stops.

"We have deployed three campaigns so far," Assistant Town Manager Emily Moon said. "Both River and West Streets just wrapped up."  Five new neighborhoods are on the waiting list to receive the signs.

"Resident reaction has been super, fantastic," she said. "Organizers have mentioned to us that they have seen a decrease in speeding as well as raised awareness in the neighborhoods."

The Windsor Police Department considers the initiative as one that can assist them in resolving local traffic concerns.

"The police department feels the 'Drive Wise' campaign is an excellent tool to help curb speeders and other violations," Capt. Kelvan Kearse said. 

"The program also provides the police department with the opportunity to work with other agencies in town and citizens.  Most importantly, the program helps us to respond directly to stated needs and/or problems in town," he said.

"The purpose of the signs is to educate the public about a potential traffic concern and to remind drivers to obey all traffic laws," said Kearse.  "The police then conduct heavy traffic enforcement in an effort to modify bad driving behaviors."

"The police department is very happy to do targeted enforcement in neighborhoods that have expressed concern," said Moon.  "Everybody is hopeful that the impact of the campaign will last and that driver behavior will not revert back to what it was too quickly."

If you are interested in leading a "Drive Wise" campaign in your neighborhood, call the Town Manager's office at (860) 285-1800.