Staying Safe Throughout the Year

Good drivers modify their behavior to match the changing driving conditions throughout the year.

Crime prevention is no different. Summer often makes people more careless about locking doors and windows, while fall brings kids returning to school and a need for more vigilance in cross walks and school zones.

GENERAL THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Crime doesn't take a holiday. You know when it is a holiday and so do thieves. Winter holidays bring lots of presents and vacant houses while people are traveling, and in the summer people think less about locking doors and windows . . . during these times, be especially vigilant about home and property security.

• Even if you don't have kids in school, keep in mind when schools are in session and drive accordingly.

• Seattle is getting more visitors every summer. Take care to protect your property in crowded tourist destinations - just because you are a Seattle resident, thieves can still target your belongings.

When rain hits, city streets can get slick. It is even more important to watch for crosswalk zones and brake early for pedestrians.