Victorville Car Accidents Reduced Due to Dangerous Driver Enforcement Program

Like most cities in San Bernardino County, Victorville, California has seen a rise in population, motor vehicles and, regrettably, car collisions. Car accident statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported that 14 people were killed in Victorville car accidents and 372 were injured. DUI-related accidents caused eight fatalities and 38 injuries. Two pedestrians were killed and 22 were injured in car accidents. And motorcycle accidents resulted in one death and 16 injuries.

Determined to bring down the number of car collisions, the Victorville Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Division implemented the Dangerous Driver Enforcement program. Designed to boost enforcement in specific areas of the city, it also raises public awareness and education regarding driver safety.

"Car accidents are sad statistics that accompany a city's growth and increase in traffic," said John Bisnar of the car accidents attorney law firm BISNAR | CHASE. "Cities must be pro-active in stepping up traffic enforcement in areas prone to car collisions."

Approximately two years ago, the Dangerous Driver Enforcement program focused on four intersections along Palmdale Road. The day-long program addressed the problems at Park, Amargosa, Mariposa and Kentwood roads. These were intersections where motorists frequently executed dangerous turns, ran red lights or blocked traffic, causing traffic jams along Palmdale. Police cited 143 motorists for excessive speed, turning in the path of oncoming cars, following too closely, and changing lanes in an unsafe manner. Several drivers ignored signs that forbid right turns from the Target parking lot at Kentwood onto Palmdale road.

One month later, another Dangerous Driver Enforcement program cited 123 motorists for failing to stop for red lights, speeding, and not "buckling up" for safety with seat belts. Four drivers were ticketed for driving with a suspended license, five others were arrested for different offenses, and six cars were impounded. In one month, deputies issued over 1,600 citations for various infractions.

The Dangerous Driver Enforcement program was borne out of citizen concerns over the reckless and often dangerous driving incidents they witnessed throughout Victorville. The program did have an impact, reducing car collisions by nearly 10% in a single year.

"Programs like this are created when the public gets involved and demands that city officials take action to reduce car accidents," said John Bisnar. "Where appropriate, these programs can serve as a model for other cities throughout California."

Be on the Hit-and-Run Lookout

BISNAR | CHASE, in conjunction with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization, is launching a program intended to wipe out hit-and-runs in the state of California by offering rewards for tips leading to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers. See Hit-and-Run Reward for more details.

BISNAR | CHASE 2006-2010 Super Lawyers names outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. BISNAR | CHASE has received this award for five consecutive years. Brian Chase was named one of the 2010 Top 50 Orange County Lawyers.