PETOSKEY -- The Petoskey Police Department wants to lower the number of traffic crashes by launching a new traffic initiative.

In reviewing traffic crash data for the year 2011, it was discovered that 245 traffic crashes occurred on the roadways in the city of Petoskey. This number does not include crashes that took place on private property. The data showed that approximately 62% (152) of the crashes occurred on five of our roadways: Bay View Road (23), Charlevoix Avenue (44), E. Mitchell Street (23), W. Mitchell Street (22), and Spring Street (40).

A further review of the traffic crash numbers for 2011 showed that 89 crashes, or approximately 36% of all crashes for the year, occurred in the three month period of June, July, and August.

It is the goal of the Petoskey Department of Public Safety to reduce the number of traffic crashes in 2012. To that end, the department has initiated a traffic crash reduction plan. The objective is to combine enforcement with education to make motorists aware of some of the most common causes of traffic crashes, and thereby reduce the number of crashes.

Officers will be conducting directed patrols in the areas of high traffic crash occurrences. Officers will be watching for motorists who commit violations that could contribute to the likelihood of a traffic crash. These offenses include, but are not limited to: excessive speed, improper lane usage, failing to signal, disobey red light/traffic control devices, following too closely, distracted driving, and defective equipment.

This will not be a ticket writing campaign. It is anticipated that the number of violations normally written will remain the same. Instead, officers will use these traffic stops as an opportunity to educate the motoring public. Instead of writing violations, officers will be handing out instructional information to drivers, providing them with information on how not to become involved in a traffic crash.

Violations will be issued in cases where the officer feels it is appropriate.