As we were recapping the week and setting our content list on Monday, we were relieved to note that there was no grim New Year’s Eve or holiday accidents to report from our area roadways for the first 2010 issue. All too often during this time of year, with the nasty roads and holiday partying, accidents occur.

That’s not to say there weren’t several tragic events on the roadways outside of our county. The death of an Evaro man and two high school girls from Missoula were just too close to home. These events effect so many. It made us think how easily accidents can occur, and how just several seconds of extra thought can bring about the awareness to help prevent them.

Law enforcement officials of Lake County were out en masse this holiday season to crack down on the idiotic behavior of driving while intoxicated, which often contributes to tragedies. We can’t say enough how much this needs to stop.

But little things most of us are guilty of once in awhile, including messing with the radio, talking on cell phones, eating or daydreaming, can also cause accidents. Add in icy roads, fog and increased hours of darkness, there are a lot of forces that can contribute to the increased possibility of accidents. No matter the circumstances, an accident is a no-win situation.

We should all take a few moments to remind ourselves to avoid these “no duh” behaviors to keep our roads safer.

As pedestrians, we need to take more seriously the offense of jaywalking. Don’t take the chance. If it’s dark and you have dark clothes on, you aren’t easily seen.

Parents, maybe it’s time to go over the rules of the road again with your kids. Look both ways and use the crosswalks.

There is particular concern because of the highway that zips right through each town in the county.

We like the idea building in Ronan to expand safe walking and biking routes throughout the town. Parks director Jennifer Rolfsness has made it main focus of the parks department lately to piece together parts of a bike/pedestrian path throughout the town.

Rolfsness just submitted a federal grant proposal to get money for “Safe Routes to School.” If she were offered the funding, she would use it to create a path from Eisenhower and 4th Avenue SE to Terrace Lake Road, an undertaking that would cost approximately $250,000. She won’t know whether she has received the grant until June of 2010.

That’s a great start.

Lake County ended 2009 on a high note, with no serious accidents. Let’s take time to keep it that way. Making a trend of safe driving, walking and riding only takes a few minor adjustments.