“Do we have a speeding problem in West Malibu?” [“Crash prompts speeding inquiries in west Malibu,” Dec. 15] Yes, we do; and three related problems.
First is enforcement. Recently, I was given a ticket for exceeding the speed limit west of Trancas by one mph! I suggest to the chief of police and to Malibu City Council that this is scarcely an effective use of city resources and tax payers’ money-my money and your money! The ticket wasted the time of multiple city employees at court (the case was dismissed). Furthermore, the “stop” took the officer off patrol for 15 minutes, during which, with a sensible approach to enforcement, he might have detected significant, even unsafe, offenders.
Second, such offenders are frequent. The Times quoted Public Safety Commissioner [David Saul]: “speeds west of Trancas average 70mph.”
I timed 100 cars over a measured quarter mile of PCH and over half exceeded 70 mph! Admittedly this small “study” lacks rigor, but it strongly suggests that current enforcement is ineffective, and at least demands serious study.
Third, from my perspective as a resident of West Malibu the limit is already far too liberal. Exiting my “concealed” driveway at a bend in PCH, a vehicle has less than six seconds to avoid being hit broadside, in crossing two lanes of cars moving at 70 mph, to reach the median and turn left (east). This is small margin for error, none for mechanical failure.
North of County Line, PCH reduces to two or three lanes, and a much lower speed limit, without noticeable traffic congestion. What justification can the City present for allowing “freeway speeds” on a surface street with more than a hundred driveway exits, much cross traffic, including pedestrian, to four beach parks, and numerous cyclists passing less than three feet from vehicles traveling at 70 mph plus?
Given these unwise circumstances, it is certain that more accidents will occur on PCH. Unfortunately my profession sees the results of many traffic accidents, never pretty, mostly avoidable. The city should act to avoid them on PCH. Inaction is not a defensible choice.
Clive R. Taylor, M.D., Ph.D.