WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER

Get involved!

Be aware of road conditions, traffic patterns and alternate routes to your destination. Be aware of the rules of the road as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorist.

Talk with your neighbors about traffic safety. Be aware of existing conditions and notify the City when situations seem to create a problem. Think about ways in which these situations might be changed prior to contacting the City.

Maintaining the Roadway System

Report damaged sidewalk(s) or streets, as well as missing or old signs. The City has maintenance crews that will repair damages to the infrastructure. Keeping sidewalks clean and free of tripping hazards also reduces liabilities for property owners, who are responsible for maintaining sidewalks and driveway aprons next to their property. The City will notify the property owner if a damaged sidewalk is reported. Contact the Public Works Maintenance Division at 541-726-3761or e-mail publicworksmail@springfield-or.gov for more information.

Speed Radar Trailer "Buster"

The City Police Department has a radar trailer that is used as a monitoring device. The trailer is equipped with a radar gun, a digital speed display, and a speed limit sign. The trailer is placed on the street facing traffic and will show "Speed Limit 25, Your Speed XX". The radar gun will measure the speed of the oncoming vehicle and show that speed on the display.

The use of this trailer has shown to significantly reduce the speed of vehicle traffic. Many drivers do not realize how fast they drive on residential streets. The radar trailer is a tool that helps educate the public. If you would like the speed trailer at a specific location, contact the police at 541-726-3714.

Police Enforcement

Please contact the City's Police Department at 541-726-3714to report specific traffic violations.

The City of Springfield takes its role in transportation safety and solving traffic problems very seriously, yet the ultimate responsibility lies with each of us.

Street Lighting

To increase the visibility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles, the City installs street lighting in residential neighborhoods. This higher visibility generally leads to a reduction in crashes. The installation of street lighting has also shown to reduce neighborhood crime. See the Residential Street Lighting Application to apply for street light.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A PARENT

Set a good example for your children

Children often learn by watching and imitating their parents. Your actions as a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist should always set a good example.

Do not encourage your children to play in the street

Instead, encourage them to use their own yard, a neighbors yard, or a nearby park.

Instruct children in the proper way to cross the street

Teach your children this simple rhyme:
"Stop, look and listen - before you cross the street. Use your eyes, use your ears, and then use your feet."

Tell children not to dawdle, but to cross quickly when safe to do so, and to continue watching for traffic until they are safely on the curb at the other side. Remind them to look left - then right - then left, again before crossing the street.

Teach your children the safest route to school

Walk or ride your bike with your child if you can. You may also want to start a "walking schoolbus", where parents take turns walking the neighborhood children to school by meeting children at designated "stops" and proceeding, using the safest route, to school. Your neighborhood group or school may be able to assist in setting up your "walking schoolbus". Instruct your children on pedestrian / bicycle safety and on the proper way to cross the street.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A DRIVER

Know and obey the speed limits!

The most common concern expressed to the City is about speeding traffic in residential neighborhoods.

The speed limit in residential districts is 25 mph. Some residential streets may have a posted speed limit greater than the 25 mph speed limit because of the functional use of the street, the adjacent land use, the width of the street, or a previous set speed limit based upon a speed zone investigation.

Watch for and yield to pedestrians in the roadwayPedestrians are commonly present in residential neighborhoods. A pedestrian has the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks at an intersection as long as they have used due care for their safety.

Plan your trips

Combine your trips into a single trip with several destinations to reduce congestion and plan ahead so that you avoid urge to drive fast.