CIVIC CENTER Looking to cut down on collision-related deaths and injuries, the Santa Monica Police Department plans to use a $250,000 grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety to put more officers on patrol at dangerous intersections.
The money will be used primarily to pay for overtime and salaries, but also to operate more DUI checkpoints and purchase specialized equipment such as new radar guns and alcohol screening devices, said Sgt. Larry Horn with the SMPD traffic division.
“We’re hoping to make an impact just being out there,” Horn said.
There will be as many as eight DUI checkpoints held over the next 12 months. A checkpoint held on Oct. 26 in the 2500 block of Lincoln Boulevard saw 1,717 vehicles pass through, 269 of which were directed to a screening area. Of those drivers, 16 were issued traffic citations and two were arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. The checkpoint ran from 8 p.m. to midnight, police said.
Another checkpoint has been scheduled for December.
The biggest problem police face today when it comes to traffic accidents are auto-versus-pedestrian collisions and right-of-way violations, Horn said.
“We have an elderly population out on the roadway, both walking and driving, and we have a tremendous amount of vehicular traffic because of all the growth that has occurred in the city and the surrounding area,” Horn said.“There is a limited amount of space and sometimes both are trying to occupy it at the same time. That’s when we get called out or an accident occurs.”
At least two elderly men were struck and killed this year while crossing a city street, and there have been a number of other close calls. Horn said the number of accidents involving both pedestrians and other autos is on the rise.
Drivers are advised to be patient and attentive. Horn said many accidents are caused by drivers who are in a hurry and do not want to yield to others on the road. There are also a lot of distractions to deal with, including cell phones.
“Another thing to make note of is there is lots of construction going on in the city, and when that happens, it impacts the roadway,” Horn said. “Drivers need to understand that sometimes you may not be able to go the way you’ve always gone and you may have to take a detour.
“You have to be a thinking driver,” Horn said,“if you want to get where you are going safely and efficiently.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 7, 2007. Read the original PDF.