Levelland Police Chief Albert Garcia is encouraging citizens of the community to practice safety methods during the holiday season.
As the holiday season approaches, safety is something that should not be ignored when it comes to traveling and protecting property.
“One of the biggest things people can do is drive safely as the holiday season means more people traveling on roads, said Chief Garcia. “With Christmas around the corner, we’re going to have a lot of travelers out there on the roads.”
Garcia suggests abiding by the rules of the road and following all instructions for the safety of all drivers as they hit the road this year.
“We want them to make sure that they’re abiding by the rules and they’re seeing vehicle warnings or warning lights on the side of the vehicle on the side of the road,” said Chief Garcia. “Make sure you move over and slow down. That’s what the state law stipulates with those kinds of things and always take heed to what other drivers are doing.”
Paying attention and being a good defensive driver in any traffic is important. Especially for motorcycle riders.
“I used to ride motorcycles until about a year ago and you’re always a defensive driver because you people can’t see you as a motorcyclist,” explained Garcia. “It’s getting to the point now where drivers of any vehicle need to be a defensive driver and make sure that they are paying attention to what other people are doing. We want to make sure that when they’re out there on the roads they are making sure that are paying attention to all the road conditions, the traffic signals and any emergency lights that they may see on the on the side of the road.”
West Texas citizens have been welcomed with freezing temperatures already and those conditions can make road ways a bit more hazardous traveling including at night time where temperatures can fall below freezing.
“Getting to that point of the year where we’re starting to have some weather conditions that may drop ice on the pavement or snow, sleet or whatever the case may, people need to make sure that they are aware of giving themselves enough time to get where they need to be while slowed down,” explained Chief Garcia. “We always say these things but the last thing we want is somebody having to deal with major accident for not minding the weather conditions.”
Additional safety measures for travelers is when traveling a long distance make sure that they let other people know where they’re going and what route they may be going on.
In the event that something catastrophic may happen such as a broken-down vehicle or something to that effect, friends or family members should have a general direction of which way you’re traveling.
“If you let people know where you are going, we can get out there and look for you,” said Garcia. “If you’re traveling outside of the general area and going to be gone for several days, think about calling the Levelland Police Department and putting your house on the house watch so that we can make sure that we’re driving by and checking your property.”
Chief Garcia says that type of thing can be done very easily by just calling the Levelland PD at 806-894-6164 and letting telecommunicators know that citizens want to put their house on a house watch.
“We will ask you a few general questions and it doesn’t take long to get that done,” explained the Chief, “We’ll make sure that we’re ensuring the safety of our residents and one of the questions on there is going to be is basic contact information if something happens.”
This step is something most citizens do not take advantage during holiday travels, but the option can provide peace of mind for its citizens. Chief Garcia cautions residents to be weary of thieves who will be looking for easy and accessible belongings left out in the open.
“You have to do your due diligence to make sure that you’re keeping your yourself and your property safe if you are out shopping, if you have to leave a facility late, or the sun has gone down,” said Chief Garcia. “Make sure that you have your keys in your hands, but as you start to walk to towards your vehicle especially ladies, when getting to your vehicle you can quickly unlock it get in your vehicle and get in it safely before somebody get in your vehicle and get in it safely before somebody can approach you.” Keeping your vehicle secured at all times whenever you’re out there shopping or even when you are parked somewhere that feels safe, the vehicle needs to be secured regardless. “If the vehicle has a trunk put your belongings, any type of gifts or purchases that you’ve made in the in the trunk of your car. Before walking to a vehicle, using one of the buttons that will make the vehicles lights come on is something Chief Garcia suggested to have programmed in their car remote as they have become common in vehicles. Making sure travelers or anyone who likes to be prepared for the colder months, Garcia suggest keeping items in cars that can last when a breakdown occurs or drivers cannot operate their vehicle for whatever reason. “With the colder months, keeping blankets or extra layers in your car to keep you warm is something that could be prove to be valuable,” said Chief Garcia. “Depending on the amount of time a driver and, or the passengers may be stuck, having water and snacks is something that may sound excessive, but could be helpful when least expected.”
For travelers, if someone spills off on the side of the road, always call 911, but if its a blowout assistance is needed on the back of everyone’s driver’s license there should be a 1- 800 number that will get anyone in contact with a dispatch service center that can send somebody out there to help whoever whenever.