CITYWIDE — There were fewer traffic collisions in 2013 than any year since 1995 — the earliest year for which the Daily Press was able to find data.
Injuries from traffic accidents, however, were up slightly from 2012.
Until 2011, the Santa Monica Police Department released annual reports including all traffic data. To align with City Hall's the biennial budget, the department began releasing the report every two years. The Daily Press requested 2013 traffic statistics and compared the results to police department data dating back to 1995.
"Much like crime data, statistical data on traffic collisions provide only a surrogate view of conditions and need to be contextualized," SMPD spokesperson Rudy Camarena told the Daily Press. "Minor, non-injury collisions, lacking criminal intent, aren't typically captured in police reports."
There were 1,541 total traffic collisions last year, according to SMPD data, down from 1,775 in 2012. Previously, the fewest number of traffic collisions were reported in 2011: 1,692. There were 2,073 in 1996.
"The causes of collisions remain fairly consistent with right of way violations, speeding and unsafe/illegal turns and driving under the influence being the most prevalent," Camarena said.
Injuries related to collisions increased slightly, from 592 in 2012 to 599 last year. The fewest number of injuries were reported in 2003 (426) and the most in 2010 (620).
The Daily Press asked SMPD how traffic congestion — which (as you may have heard) is bad in Santa Monica — impacts traffic accidents given there are more cars on the road but they are traveling at slower speeds.
"Studies have shown that reducing vehicle speeds have been linked to a decline in vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents," Camarena said, "but alternatively linked to an increase in accidents due to driver's frustration and abrupt and aggressive maneuvering that oftentimes leads to unsafe and hazardous driving."
Pedestrian-involved collisions were down to 113 in 2013 from 132 in 2012. In 2003 there were 97 pedestrian-related accidents reported and in 1997 there were 42.
There were three traffic-related fatalities reported in 2013, including one involving a pedestrian. There were six driving deaths in each of 2011 and 2012. In 2004 there were none and in 1995 there were 11.
There were 552 hit and run accidents in 2013, down from 592 the year prior. It was the lowest recorded number of hit and run accidents in the city since 2007 when there were 515. There were 24 pedestrians struck by hit and run drivers in 2013.
Alcohol was the primary factor in 89 accidents in 2013, the most since 2007, when there were 98.
This, Carmena said "in part can be attributed to the Department's emphasis in providing Officers with advanced training in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert Training(DRE). Officers are availed of better tools and techniques in the identification of impaired drivers at the scene of reported collisions."
SMPD takes a proactive approach to reducing incidents, Camarena said.
"Under the direction of the California Office of Traffic Safety SMPD's Traffic Unit develops and implement safety and collision reduction strategies," he said. "The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) is one of those strategies and consists of proven, best practices such as public education and awareness campaigns in support of targeted enforcement. Additionally the Traffic Unit engages in weekly Problem Safety Solving Team meetings to address citywide traffic concerns based on current collision data and optimal allocation of resources."
dave@www.smdp.com