Latest news with #Swaters
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Springfield drivers react to new downtown speed bumps
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Springfield drivers are seeing some changes to downtown as two speed bumps are installed. Springfield police installed the speed bumps this past week after residents and businesses in the area expressed concerns about the traffic. One Springfield driver hopes the speed bumps will slow drivers down. 'There's always people that get excited about driving downtown, and they don't need to be as excited about driving downtown,' says Deneé Hughes, who has lived in Springfield her whole life. 4th annual Earth Day Springfield Festival featured Grammy-nominated singer The speed bumps can be found on South Street in front of the former Ernie Biggs location and Walnut Street in front of Flame Steakhouse. Cris Swaters with SPD says that the department has received good feedback in the days since the speed bumps were installed. 'In the short time they've been used, they've been really effective to slow traffic and reduce noise, which was a primary complaint of both residents and business owners there in the downtown area,' says Swaters. Swaters also says people should expect to see the speed bumps in those locations through the summer, but they can be moved if necessary. Hughes says it might take a while for drivers to get used to driving over the speed bumps. 'Sharks' Helicopter Battalion reunion held in Branson 'I personally think that it's not a big deal to just slow down. But if you forget to slow down while you're downtown, for some reason, it's going to help,' says Hughes. The downtown area can get very busy with foot traffic as well. Hughes says pedestrians should use crosswalks, but believes the speed bumps can be another layer of protection. 'I would hope that pedestrians wouldn't jump out in the middle of the road. That's what crosswalks are for. But if they do jump out in the middle of the road, they will help,' says Hughes. According to SPD, more speed bumps could be installed if the results of slowing traffic and reducing noise are successful long-term. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Lane splitting now banned on Springfield city streets
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield City Council unanimously passed a bill that has now outlawed lane splitting on city streets. 'It is in full effect and enforceable,' Cris Swaters with Springfield Police said. Per city code, an ordinance that doesn't have specific penalties outlined in it, like the one outlawing lane splitting, differ to a general penalty, which reads, 'the violation of any such provision of this Code or other ordinances of the city shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment in jail for a period not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment.' 'We absolutely want to encourage anyone who is stopped by an officer to comply with that traffic stop and speak with the officer,' said Swaters. If a rider decides to not comply with an officer, and flee, those penalties can ramp up quickly. 'Fleeing from an officer creates an extremely dangerous situation for both the driver that's fleeing and everyone else around them,' Swaters said. 'Additionally, you're going to face possibly additional charges if you are contacted later beyond what the officer may have been just stopping you for.' Swaters says it's up to the officer's discretion when it comes to ticketing for the now-new violation. 'This isn't a targeted enforcement effort. It is giving officers another tool for keeping people safe,' Swaters said. OzarksFirst spoke to riders with mixed reactions to the new law. 'I think the majority of those who lane split are good people, they're good bikers and they know what they're doing. I'm just worried about the minority that might abuse it, you know, to be honest with you,' Mike Lighty said. 'I think it's just ridiculous. I think they can use the resources better. I don't understand why they're doing this.' 'It's not going to stop [riders],' Ricky Dillard said. 'They should be focusing on the cars. There are so many cars out here who don't have registered license plates or insurance.' Joshua Stanley with Kiss My Gas Scooters believes the move by the city council was the right one. 'I think it's a good thing there's enough motorcycle accidents in Springfield as it is, and lane splitting is dangerous in any circumstance. People aren't paying attention on their phones generally, so anything you do to save lives I think is a good thing,' Stanley said. Traditionally, those who have been pro-lane splitting have argued that being between cars at a stop light is a safety measure that helps prevent injuries in case there's a pile-up or crash behind the rider. Stanley doesn't agree with that sentiment. 'I personally think that's a grasping at straws argument because one of the things they taught in motorcycle safety courses for many years is you should always be paying attention and always be looking for an escape route ahead of time. You always assume it's an accident. You always assume that someone is going to hit you, and if you act with those assumptions, you generally could be looking for a way out,' Stanley said. The new law also applies to bicycles and other micromobility devices, such as scooters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
As storm approaches, local agencies stress staying home
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — As local agencies get ready to prepare for the upcoming winter storm, there's one thing they are all very clear about. Unless you have to leave your home, don't. 'If you don't have to travel, it's probably best not to,' Larry Woods, the Springfield-Greene County Director of the Office of Emergency Management said. 'If you don't have to get out, don't,' Sgt. Mike McClure with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. 'Truly, if you don't have to leave, the best view of a historic winter storm is going to be from the comfort of your home. If you don't have to leave the house, please just stay home,' Cris Swaters with Springfield Police said. Cold weather shelters that will be open for winter storm 'If you don't need to travel, please just stay at home,' Eric Claussen, the Assistant Director of Operations in the Springfield Public Works Department said. With large amounts of snowfall expected, it's not just a safety message for commuters, but staying home could also help emergency responders. 'First responders are going to be available for calls for service, yet no matter what the weather is, they have to contend with the same road conditions as everyone else to be able to respond as quickly and safely as possible to those emergency situations,' Swaters said. 'The less people we have out on the roads who may end up in an emergency situation themselves will help allow for first responders to more quickly and safely respond to emergencies.' 'Everybody is forced to go much slower. Their responses are slower because safety is paramount. If the responder can't get to the call and they can't be of assistance,' Woods said. 'I think the safety message is just for drivers to take that a little bit of extra time, keep their distance from the folks in front of them, and be cognizant of our plows,' Claussen said. Southwest Missouri placed under Winter Storm Warning ahead of Tuesday's winter storm 'If we do get overwhelmed and the resources we have are taxed for a certain amount of time because there's other stranded motors, we can't get to you. Those priorities are going to be those main thoroughfares, I-44, U.S. 65, anything other than that, be prepared to be stuck for a little while,' McClure said. If you do have to leave your home, you're encouraged to pack plenty in your car. 'If you have to go somewhere, make sure you have a coat, hat, gloves and shoes that are appropriate for the weather. If you slide off the road or get into some sort of motor vehicle accident there will be a delay in service both from first responders or from a towing company. Make sure that your car is fueled up so you can keep the heater on while you wait for help to arrive,' Swaters said. 'Make sure you got plenty of warm clothes in the car. Make sure you have some kind of a kit in your car with you that if you do get stranded, that you have adequate hydration, water, maybe some energy foods, or snack food with you. Just things that you would need in case you would get stuck,' Woods said. 'Things like shovels, kitty litter or sand, something like that for traction. Those kinds of things are all important to have.' 'Definitely a shovel. If the snow's deep enough and you become stranded on the side of the road and you're going to leave the motor running, make sure that that exhaust is vented. Otherwise, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you're trying to keep the heater warm and keep yourself warm in that vehicle,' McClure said. You can also check road conditions in the Ozarks by going to the MoDOT Traveler Map online, or if you're in Arkansas, you can see how your roads are by going to Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Ozark PD asking for more license plate reading cameras
OZARK, Mo. – The Ozark Police Department is hoping to add more equipment to help them fight crime. At the board of aldermen meeting on Feb. 3, police asked the city if they could get more license plate reading cameras. 'It is a tool that can't really be matched as far as the leads that it provides,' said Captain Derek Hill. The city already has three license plate reading cameras, called Flock cameras. The cameras are normally set up at intersections and scan the plates of cars passing by to see if they are connected to any crimes. 'People shouldn't be down in there,' Bill aims to criminalize storm drain obstructions OPD is asking for six more cameras, giving them nine in total. 'If you're looking for specific vehicles or you're looking for something that is related to a crime that you're investigating really helps narrow down and save time for our investigators,' Cpt. Hill said during the aldermen meeting. 'So it's invaluable. It's something that is a fantastic tool for us.' Other cities in the area, like Springfield, have used Flock cameras for years. 'We reach to that information every day,' said Cris Swaters with the Springfield Police Department. However, residents who spoke to Ozarks First have differing viewpoints. Some say they feel the cameras are too intrusive, while others think the cameras are necessary. 'I think it's a great idea so long to say, prioritize privacy and innocent people,' said Ozark neighbor Jared Robbins. Utility crews repair gas main break in Ozark The Springfield Police Department has 28 license plate reading cameras. 'We can't be everywhere all at once at the same time,' Swaters said. 'So tools like the Flock camera really are a force multiplier and help us take information from citizens, whether it's a stolen vehicle or we're working on another criminal investigation that involves a vehicle.' They say these cameras help solve crimes faster. 'That information is absolutely invaluable to the department and absolutely help solve crimes,' Swaters said. The Ozark Board of Aldermen is expected to vote on this Feb. 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
