FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/30/2018 Contact: Sgt. Derek Frank, Public Information Officer
Phone: 319-356-5293
Stay safe this summer with these tips from Iowa City Police
The Iowa City Police Department reminds you and your family to make summer safety a top priority while enjoying the sunny weather and outdoor time. Watch the video or read below for safety tips:
Rules of the Road
Run single file when jogging in a group
Obey traffic laws
Use sidewalks and crosswalks
Cross streets and intersections cautiously
Jog on the side of the road facing traffic
Be visible at night: wear retro-reflective clothing and carry flashlights
Sidewalks are for pedestrians in the central downtown business district: no bicycles, skateboards, or non-motorized vehicles are allowed in the ped mall and its surrounding area, which includes Capitol St. to the west, Burlington St. to the south, Gilbert St. to the east, and Jefferson St. to the north.
Bike Safety
Wear a helmet and other safety gear when riding bikes, scooters or skateboards. Studies show helmets can cut the risk of head injury in half.
Police officers can use your registration information to help recover your bicycle if it is lost or stolen. Stop by the Police Department at 410 E. Washington St. to register and pick-up your registration sticker.
Drivers be aware!
Pay extra attention to the increase in pedestrians and bicyclists
Don’t speed
Don’t text or surf the web behind the wheel
Pay attention
Look for kids playing near the street and slow down. This is an exciting time for kids and they may forget safety rules. Children are often unaware of the dangers around them.
Watch for clues. A ball or bicycle nearby may mean children are close by. Pay attention and always expect the unexpected.
Keep in mind that school may be out, but children may still be present in school zones for other activities.
Always watch for children when backing up. Remember, children are smaller and much harder to see when walking around parked vehicles.
Neighborhood Safety
Be a good neighbor and alert police to any unusual or suspicious activity by calling 911
Join Nextdoor, a neighborhood based online social media site, to stay in touch with your neighbors and learn about news impacting your neighborhood. Sign-up at www.nextdoor.com.
Summer Travel
Hold newspapers and mail, or ask someone to pick it up
Consider asking police officers to check on your home while you are away as part of drive-by patrol by calling 319-356-5275