LAPD Addressing Speeding Concerns In Los Alamos County

LAPD Cpl. David Boe conducting speed enforcement near the golf course. Courtesy/LAPD

LAPD News:

The Los Alamos Police Department has noticed an increase in speeding concerns from the Los Alamos public over the last month.

These concerns have come in a variety of forms to include; social media posts, emails, phone calls, and citizens utilizing the crime-tip submission tool on the LAPD website.

LAPD wants to take the opportunity to assure the public these concerns are being addressed and it is an area of focus for traffic safety in the community. Extra Patrols have been communicated to each shift sergeant who is responsible for ensuring their units respond to areas of concern.

Between March 1 and July 31, LAPD officers have made 768 traffic stops and written 578 citations. This is down from the same time period in 2019 where they made 1,120 traffic stops and wrote 902 citations. 

There are several factors for this related to the COVID-19 pandemic, however LAPD is still enforcing traffic laws to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Traffic counts are lower due to the partial closures of LANL, school closures between March and May, and other closures. 

A recent study of traffic counts on Trinity Drive revealed it is seeing about 50 percent of the normal traffic compared to previous years.  

Traffic crashes have declined compared to the previous year, (see chart).

However, LAPD understands with fewer vehicles on the roadway it may provide more opportunities for speeding due to the lack of congestion. In addition, there are more children and families out walking, jogging, and crossing the road than previous years. LAPD wants to urge motorists to slow down and assist them in their efforts for speed reduction. 

It is important to remember that speed limits may not even be the “safe speed”, especially when you add more pedestrians and cyclists. When you drive in a neighborhood with grades, curves, parked vehicles, etc. it creates hazards that should require a prudent driver to reduce their speed. Los Alamos County has a specific ordinance to address this issue called the “Basic Speed Rule”.

No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. Consistent with the foregoing, every person shall drive at a safe and appropriate speed when approaching and crossing an intersection, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding street, and when special hazards exist with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

LAPD wants the public to assist them in keeping the above rule in mind. LAPD also is working with Traffic & Streets to deploy speed monitoring devices in problem areas. They also have sent letters to certain neighborhoods asking for help in speed reduction. LAPS believes if they work with local citizens they can continue to keep Los Alamos safe.

There is a Traffic Board zoom meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. Cmdr. Oliver Morris will attend the meeting to hear any public comment on traffic concerns.

The community is invited to attend the Zoom webinar.

  • When: Aug 6, 2020 05:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
  • Topic: Transportation Board Monthly Meeting

Click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/97630631133?pwd=VmhxZ2IxcnlJd2gzRlVoSGVxMURPZz09
Passcode: 833325

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