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1. Can I be an impaired driver if I haven't had any alcohol or illegal drugs?

Yes, while DWI is usually associated with alcohol, impairment can be caused by illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and even over the counter drugs. Learn more about causes and risks of impairment.

2. How many trips does the average household generate on neighborhood streets?

When addressing a neighborhood traffic volume concern, it is not uncommon for the city to measure traffic volumes on a street section. Clearly, the people living along the street will generate some of the traffic volume. The average home generates slightly more than 10 trips per day. Learn more about what makes up daily trips.

3. What can I do about speeding concerns?

Studies in many communities have shown that speeders on residential streets are often people who live on the same street or in nearby neighborhoods. As a community, we can have a significant impact on this concern by checking our speedometers and slowing down. Learn more about speeding concerns

4. Why doesn't the city install speed bumps when a neighborhood has speeding concerns?

Speed bumps may convince a driver to slow down to avoid a jarring thump, but they also have serious drawbacks including damage to bicycles, slowed response for emergency vehicles, damage to snowplows, increased noise, property damage in adjacent right-of-way, and even increased vehicle speeds. Learn more about the risks of speed bumps

5. Where are the places that I can't park my car without getting a parking ticket?

State law prohibits parking in certain areas on all streets and highways. Common violations include parking too close to a fire hydrant, mailbox, or intersection. Learn more about parking prohibitions

6. What are my responsibilities as a pedestrian?

Each year, 7,000 pedestrians die in traffic accidents. While drivers cause some of the accidents, pedestrians are also the cause of many accidents. Pedestrians can take responsibility for their own safety by following crossing rules and traffic signals. Learn more about rules for pedestrians

7. How is anyone supposed to cross the street when the Walk light is only five seconds?

When the Walk light is illuminated, pedestrians can leave the curb and enter the crosswalk. Pedestrians can continue across after the light has changed. For more detailed information on this topic

8. How is traffic signal timing controlled?

In most suburban areas, traffic signals are controlled by the volume of traffic that is present using detectors and sensors. This can cause the amount of time a light is green to vary. Learn more about the traffic signal system

9. Why do emergency vehicles get green lights when their lights are flashing or sirens sounding?

A citywide traffic signal preemption system allows emergency vehicles to change the signals. Learn more about the preemption system

10. What are important safety considerations for my kids to know about when going back to school?

The Apple Valley Police Department asks that parents discuss with their children the importance of good safety habits involving pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, bus safety, vehicle safety, and self-protection skills. For more information on these topics

11. Should I turn my street into a playground for kids?

No, streets are designed for cars. Playing in the street is not safe. Parks are provided for play areas. Learn more about street safety

12. What does yellow lane striping mean?

Yellow lines delineate separation of traffic in opposite directions. If the yellow line is dashed or broken, passing of slower moving vehicles is permitted when safe to do so. If the yellow line is solid, motorists must drive right of the line and passing is prohibited. Learn more about yellow lane striping

13. What does white lane striping mean?

White lines delineate separation of traffic traveling in the same direction. Dotted lines provide guidance to motorists. Dashed lines provide lane separations for traffic in the same direction. Solid lines discourage crossing from one lane to another. Double solid lines prohibit crossing the lane. Learn more about the meaning of white striping