Local Traffic Collisions Decreasing

Pasadena police say the number of traffic collisions has fallen sharply since the City’s residents have been under the “Safer at Home” orders. Pictured is an archival photograph of a traffic collision on the I-210 freeway at the Lincoln Ave. offramp, December 5, 2019. Photo courtesy City of Pasadena.

According to the Pasadena Police Department, traffic collisions have decreased by 60 percent from this time last year.

“We responded to approximately 360 collisions during the determined time period in 2019 and less than 140 collisions in 2020,” said Lt. William Grisafe, department spokesperson.

“That’s more than a 60 percent drop.”

According to Grisafe, speed is a factor in some of the 2020 collisions, but not the overwhelming primary collision factor for the majority of collisions.

“The significant decrease in collisions is likely because of the ‘Safer at Home’ order went into place, which decreased the number of vehicles on the road.”

The order mandates residents to stay in their homes unless they must leave for essential services such as grocery shopping, exercise and doctor’s appointments.

Although traffic officers are continuing to monitor drivers, a minimal amount of speeding tickets have been issued since the implementation of Safer at Home on March 19 as officers are attempting to limit exposure.

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported a 50-percent plunge in crash fatalities across the state, and traffic has decreased by more than 50 percent.

The Department of Transportation has suspended all enforcement programs to minimize potential exposure and transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Two weeks ago, Pasadena Police Department officials said the Coronavirus pandemic has led to a 25 percent decrease in calls for service.