Police caution drivers, charity carwashers on safety, ordinance
Most every weekend in Deer Park, a charitable organization or booster club is hosting a carwash to pay for its expenses for equipment, trips or scholarships. However, these popular events are causing hazards on the city's roadways and the Deer Park Police Department is trying to stop a tragedy before it happens.
Lt. Bryan Magee, who oversees the department's patrol division, said DPPD has received citizen complaints about participants in roadways, sidewalks and esplanades – all of which is illegal according to city ordinances.
"What happens is it creates a distraction to the drivers," Magee said. "We understand the need for organizations to host these events so that they can make some money for what they do. But, it needs to be done in a safe way for themselves and those driving in the streets."
Magee said the department has not yet attributed carwash solicitors to an accident and hopes that it's something the department will not have to do.
"No one is saying that these groups can't host carwashes. Our concern is the safety of the driving public and the individuals of the organization," he said.
The majority of the time, these charity carwashes are held on the private property of a restaurant, gas station or grocery store. To attract drivers to the wash, participants, often times juveniles, gather at intersections with posters. Sometimes, Magee said, they cross onto traffic islands. Even more dangerous, they run up to drivers who hold out cash to support their endeavors.
"When there is a distraction like that, drivers are more apt to be in a wreck or the solicitor is more likely to be hit by a car. We don't want that. None of us want that. It's become a real safety issue," Magee said. "It's also a violation of city ordinance, which was put in place to protect them and the driving public."Sgt. Sunni Hershey said officers who have warned offenders have found that the groups have been very cooperative.
"If it's a juvenile group, we talk to an adult and they pass the word along. It's very seldom that we have to talk to the same group twice," she said.
However, Magee said many groups from outside the city are holding their carwash events in Deer Park, not knowing the city ordinance.
"That's why we are trying to get the word out about this," he said. "Most of the groups in Deer Park, we've talked to and they know what's going on. It's the outside groups that are coming in that we are encouraging to know the ordinance."
Magee said despite the municipal violation, which carries up to a $150 fine, the police department has not written any citations. "We're asking the public's help to monitor this. We've shown restraint in writing citations and we would like these organizations' help in working with us."
DPPD is also contacting the groups who normally hold charity carwashes – booster clubs, little leagues, school groups – to inform them of the ordinance and safety hazards.
If drivers see persons in the streets, sidewalks, esplanades or darting through traffic, they are encouraged to call DPPD dispatch at 281-479-1511. Do not call 9-1-1 unless there was an accident. Anyone with questions can call Lt. Magee at 281-930-2150.