Big drop in accidents with Angeles Crest Highway closed
With a portion of Angeles Crest Highway closed for much of the year, the city of La Cañada Flintridge has seen a sharp drop in traffic accidents.
Traffic collisions documented in the city during the first 11 months of the year number 133 -- less than the 169 recorded over the same period last year, and down significantly from the 202 logged January through November 2008, according to Sgt. Mark Slater of the Crescenta Valley sheriff's station.
One potentially major factor: fewer cars on the road. "Traffic volumes are down because of Angeles Crest Highway being closed," Slater said. "We don't have an influx of cars in the morning and afternoon coming up over the Crest."
With the California Department of Transportation close to reopening the highway, traffic volumes in 2011 are expected to rise to previous levels. But other factors may help curb fender-benders nonetheless.
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-- Joe Piasecki, La Cañada Valley Sun / Times Community News
Photo: A two-vehicle accident on Angeles Crest Highway at Milmada Drive in La Cañada Flintridge in April sent the two drivers to hospitals. There were fewer traffic collisions in the city last year than in previous years. Credit: Raul Roa / La Cañada Valley Sun / Times Community News