Small Town News

Road improvements make highway safer

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Recent statistics show State Route 395 through Lassen County is safer for motorists, thanks to increased enforcement efforts and road improvement projects, a California Highway Patrol representative told the Lassen County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 15

Lt. Eric Liband, the Susanville Area California Highway Patrol commander, told the supervisors fatalities on the highway had dropped by two-thirds and the number of injury and fatal accidents also declined. Liband called the reductions significant accomplishments.

"I'd like to say our enforcement efforts over the past year have been very good," Liband said. "Our efforts are making a difference ... We've only experienced two fatal collisions within our area in the last year to this point,"

He said the three-year average at this point is usually about six fatalities. Reportable collisions -- including injuries and fatals -- have dropped by 30.4 percent.

"I want to thank my squad for all the work they're doing," Liband said. "I drove from Reno yesterday, and I saw three of my officers on that stretch, and as you know that is our primary focus in terms of enforcement." Historically, that portion of highway experiences the most collisions and fatalities, Liband said.

"We've been working very aggressively down there," Liband said.

Supervisor Jim Chapman praised the CHP for its enforcement efforts, but he asked Liband if the road widening projects had contributed to the improved safety and the decline in accidents along Highway 395.

"Absolutely, Jim, there's no doubt about it," Liband said. "That stretch of highway was identified by Caltrans, and their portion is the engineering ... There's no doubt when we had the rash of fatal collisions here and some injuries down on that stretch of 395, many people come to the conclusion they thought it was passing and speeding. We found it's actually people falling asleep, and they would get off on that soft shoulder and over correct."

The commander said the CHP continues to work with the Every 15 Minutes program designed to teach high school students about the dangers of drunk driving. He said the program may expand to Westwood next year. He invited the supervisors to attend the event.

Liband said the department also launched the Start Smart program in collaboration with the Lassen County Probation Department, a mandatory driver's safety education program for youthful traffic offenders. Parents are allowed to attend the classes.

Liband also told the board he will retire on Wednesday,

Sept. 30 this year.

"I've lived in Lassen County now for 10 years, and it has been a wonderful experience both as a field supervisor and as a commander here ... I want to say thank you for all you've done working with me and working together on addressing the concerns in making Lassen County a safer place to drive."

"I want to thank you for all the help you've given me," said Lloyd Keefer, the board's chair. "I do appreciate your quick and reliable response to issues I've brought forward."

Keefer quipped he always slows down when he sees a CHP cruiser in the Janesville School area, and he's noticed that seems to slow a lot of other people down as well.

Chapman offered Liband his congratulations and thanked him for his contribution to Lassen County.



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© 2010 Westwood PinePress Westwood, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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