Latest news with #CaliforniaOfficeofTrafficSafety
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will citing cyclists and pedestrians really make Sacramento streets safer?
In March, the Sacramento Police Department secured a $400,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to 'reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes.' Now, they say they are going to spend $33,660 of that money to issue citations to cyclists and pedestrians. According to Sacramento Police Department Public Information Officer Allison Smith, the department isn't trying to discourage biking, walking or scooter use. Instead, she says the department sees the citations as an opportunity to educate people about the laws and how to travel more safely. Opinion But what are the main causes of deaths and injuries on our streets? Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and other local organizations believe that the main contributors to crashes are street design and unsafe driving — not the behavior of cyclists and pedestrians. John Pucher and Ralph Buehler at the National Institutes of Health looked at data from cities that have improved bicycle infrastructure. The data showed that as bikeway networks expanded, bicycle trips increased; but crashes, fatalities and injuries decreased, anywhere from 43% to 79%. Infrastructure changes included reducing speed limits, implementing traffic calming and separating bike lanes from traffic lanes, particularly on busy roads. The results of studies on driver vs. cyclist fault differ, but according to UC Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, unsafe speed by cars was the most common crash factor (17.5%) in bicycle crashes, followed by improper turning (17.1%) and automobile right of way (15.8%). Distracted driving also contributed to crashes. Some of these causes could be addressed through infrastructure changes. On March 25, the Sacramento City Council unanimously voted to implement a $4.6 million 'quick-build' infrastructure program called the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Team. The team will design and implement targeted, low-cost and safety-enhancing features on dangerous roads within months. (In the past, safety improvements have often taken years). This was a major win for safer streets in Sacramento. A quick-build project can address an issue quickly, be evaluated for effectiveness and then be made permanent if successful. If it is not successful, it can be easily deconstructed. Infrastructure improvements make cycling, walking and driving safer for everyone, reaching more people. Issuing a citation just addresses an issue for one person. Under the 'Freedom to Walk Act' (Assembly Bill 2147, passed in 2022), almost every violation for pedestrians was decriminalized, provided the violation wasn't causing any immediate danger. That means that Sac PD's citations will likely be focused on bicyclists who will be cited for violations like not stopping before making a right turn at a stop sign, or running a stop sign when there's no cross traffic — actions that aren't endangering anyone. Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester should provide more information about what alleged violations her police officers can cite for and make it stick. Although the grant has been approved by the Sacramento City Council, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates recommends that the council advise our police not to carry out the cyclist and pedestrian citation portion of the project. Instead, the money should be spent on improving infrastructure and educating and citing dangerous drivers. We should not be punishing or discouraging cyclists and pedestrians from opting to walk or bike who, by not using cars, are contributing to a cleaner, safer, more sustainable environment in our community. Patricia Chadwick is communications manager for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates. She has been car-free since 2016 and uses her bicycle and public transportation for almost all travel.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
City of Sacramento ramps up efforts to prevent distracted driving
( City of Sacramento Police Department is working on its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads. A city spokesperson said the department wants to remind all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward, and keep their hands on the wheel. 'Whether checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.' Officials said according to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, close to 74 percent of drivers said that distracted driving is caused because of texting and that was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, the survey showed that there were about 148 people who were killed in distracted driving crashes in California. 'Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,' Sacramento Police Sergeant KenCollier said. 'Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly. Stay focused, stay alert, and help us keep our roads safe. Sacramento firefighter arrested on rape charges Throughout April, officers will be looking for drivers who violate the state's hands-free cell phone law, officials said. Authorities said, 'Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting, or using an app.' Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by being handed a fine, city officials said. When a driver violates the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense it will result in a point being added to the driver's record. The city has issued some steps drivers can take to stay focused on the road. Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can't reach while driving. Plan: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and finish any tasks before you start driving. Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm. Speak up: If you're a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stayfocused. Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding. Officials stated that the funding for distracted driving enforcement is being provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Results released from St. Patrick's Day weekend Lemon Grove DUI checkpoint
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Out of nearly 1,000 San Diegans that went through a sobriety checkpoint over St. Patrick's Day weekend in Lemon Grove, two people were arrested for DUI, authorities report. Deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation held a DUI/sobriety checkpoint from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday near Broadway and Kempf Street in the City of Lemon Grove. DUI checkpoints being held this weekend in San Diego area The sheriff's department reports 922 total vehicles went through the checkpoint, and 77 cars were sent to secondary evaluation. Deputies arrested two people on DUI alcohol charges, and conducted three DUI evaluations. 'I just don't know how I'm going to continue without her': Married couple dead after southwest Bakersfield crash Also, 20 drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed. Two vehicles were also towed. As the holiday weekend festivities have turned into St. Patrick's Day on Monday, law enforcement continue to urge people planning to go out to drive sober or get a ride home. Man pinned by car in suspected DUI crash in Miramar over St. Patrick's Day weekend Funding for this DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
CHP to hold St. Patrick's Day sobriety checkpoint in the High Desert
The California Highway Patrol is planning a sobriety on Monday in the High Desert to look for any Saint Patrick's Day revelers who decide to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, officials said. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed time and place within the jurisdiction of the CHP's Victorville Area Office, according to the agency. "Every year residents and visitors of our local communities are needlessly injured or killed as a result of drunk driving related crashes," the CHP said in a written statement. "A sobriety checkpoint is an effective and proven tool to deter drunk driving and remove unlicensed drivers from local highways. They also help raise public awareness of these most important driver safety issues while augmenting regular patrol operations." Locations of checkpoints are chosen based on prior histories of DUI-related crashes or arrests, authorities added. All vehicle passing through the checkpoint will be screen, traffic permitting. "Drivers who are determined to be under the influence will be physically arrested and their vehicles towed away," the statement said. "Any suspended or unlicensed driver passing through the checkpoint will be cited and their vehicles impounded." More: 'Ghost gun,' body armor, drugs seized during Victorville search warrant; ex-con arrested Funding for Monday's checkpoint is being provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: CHP to hold St. Patrick's Day sobriety checkpoint in the High Desert
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Sacramento Police Department receives grant for road safety programs
( —The California Office of Traffic Safety granted the Sacramento Police Department $400,000 to support enforcement and education programs for road safety. The grant will fund traffic safety efforts and the attempt to reduce serious injuries and deaths on the road through September 2025. Josh Fryday announces run for California Lieutenant Governor 'We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,' said Sacramento Police Chief Katherine Lester. 'By increasing enforcement of traffic laws and focusing on high-risk areas, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.' The program was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The programs and resources provided through the grant include: Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies. DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers. High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California's hands-free cell phone law. Know Your Limit campaigns to increase public awareness of alcohol consumption and DUI driving. High-visibility motorcycle safety enforcement operations in areas or during events with high numbers of motorcycle incidents or crashes. This enforcement includes a focus on crash factor violations by motorcyclists and other drivers. Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk. Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes. Enforcement operations focusing on street racing and sideshow activities. Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
