Traffic accidents, DUI Arrests Down in 2010

As reporters, we often get criticized for reporting “bad things” that happen in our communities. Now we have some good news to share.

Traffic collisions in Petaluma are down by 15 percent from 2009. That might not seem like a lot, but the number of collisions in town has consistently decreased over the past decade, dropping nearly 50 percent from 2001, according to new data released by the Petaluma Police Department. (see attached report on right)

Sgt. Ken Savano, who heads the traffic division at the police department, attributes the drop to an effective traffic safety program that incorporates what police call the three Es: enforcement, engineering and education.

“We make a conscious effort to educate our patrol force about where the collisions are and have a strong partnership with the Public Works Department to discuss ways to make our streets safer,” Savano said.

For example, several years ago police worked with DPW to reconfigure Petaluma Boulevard between Lakeville Street and Washington Avenue, a project that reduced the thoroughfare from four lanes to two and put in turnout lanes and added street-side parking.

Right of way violations are the number one cause of accidents in Petaluma and making changes like this has contributed to the lower rate of accidents, Savano said.

Alcohol-related crashes are also down by 11 percent since 2009 and there have been no DUI-related traffic fatalities for the past two years. And the number of people getting arrested for DUIs is also down, although at 414 arrests last year or about one a day—it’s still significantly higher than many other cities our size.

“We are using a multiple faceted approach, including arresting drunk drivers, and education through publicizing check points and the arrests of repeat offenders in the media,” Savano said.

The numbers are evidence that the multi-pronged approach is working as Petalumans get better at picking designated drivers and knowing their own limits when it comes to alcohol, he said. Still, with Petaluma being the “gateway to the wine country” and having more drinking establishments per capita than many other cities, according to Savano, police have their work cut out.

“We’re trying to change the mindset that it’s OK to consume alcohol without responsibility and then put your friends and neighbors at risk,” Savano said.

“There are always options and a little of planning can go a long way so that a day of wine tasting or a day of shopping doesn’t turn tragic.”