In response to a series of speeding and reckless driving incidents over the last year on Sand Canyon Road, the City and the Sheriff’s Department have teamed up to provide education and increased law enforcement aimed at making this two lane road and City streets safer.

Between January 2011 and January 2012, a total of seven accidents were recorded on Sand Canyon Road between Lost and Placerita Canyons, including one fatality.  About half of the accidents involved alcohol, and all but one involved drivers who were male, between the ages of 17 and 25.

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“As part of a City-wide effort to help make our streets safer, there will be targeted law enforcement on Sand Canyon Road and on other streets where speeding and reckless driving have been an issue,” explains Captain Paul Becker, of the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

To help reinforce the message about driving safely, the City sent out a direct mailer to the homes of 17-25 year old males in the Canyon Country area, letting them know that increased enforcement has begun and speeding, street racing, driving under the influence and reckless driving will not be tolerated.  A similar mailer will be sent out to other City communities throughout the year.

Earlier this year, the City and members of the Sheriff’s department met with Sand Canyon residents and the Sand Canyon homeowners association regarding the issue of speeding, racing and reckless driving on Sand Canyon.  In addition to more law enforcement and the direct mailer, the City and Sheriffs have provided the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) education trailer along Sand Canyon as well as the speed reader (PARET) to help slow down motorists.  Additionally, an Every 15 Minutes program was held at Canyon High in January, which is a two-day, intensive education program that helps graphically drive home the message of driving safely.

For more information regarding the City and Sheriff Department’s efforts to address speeding and reckless driving, visit the City website at: www.santa-clarita.com and type in “traffic safety.”