A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant is enabling the Clear Lake area California Highway Patrol (CHP) to focus enforcement on intersection safety.
“Intersection traffic collisions within the Clear Lake Area CHP”s jurisdiction have increased significantly since 1999,” noted Public Affairs Officer Josh Dye. “While the County of Lake is rural and sparsely populated, our population increases in the spring and summer months due to tourism and agriculture. Lake County also has three Native American gaming casinos that attract tourists throughout the year. Subsequently, intersections are significantly impacted by the increased traffic volume during these times.
“The higher volume increases the possibility of an injury or fatal collision,” Dye added. “Reducing fatalities and injuries can be accomplished by careful use of consistent enforcement efforts, ongoing education of drivers and pedestrians and — most importantly ? the drivers” and pedestrians” willingness to obey and support the traffic safety laws and regulations.”
In response to increased traffic volume and its impact on highway intersections, the Clear Lake area CHP is conducting an intersection safety operation. CHP officers on overtime details will focus their enforcement efforts on intersection safety.
“Our goal is to keep Lake County residents safe while using the local roadways,” stated Dye.
CHP officers will focus aggressive enforcement on the following violations:
* Speed;
* Unsafe lane changes;
* Improper turning;
* Right-of-way violations;
* Unsafe starting and unsafe backing;
* Stop sign and signal violations;
* Following too close;
* Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and
* Failure to use occupant restraints.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A similar grant, also from the California office, promoted a “Pedestrian Safety Corridor” on State Route 20 through northshore communities. Partner agency representatives met quarterly between January 2003 and March 2004 to address improvements to pedestrian safety.
The successful project exceeded set goals for reducing fatal auto-versus-pedestrian collisions along Clear Lake”s north shore.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
