By Mary O’KEEFE

It seems like drivers need to get to where they are going really fast. Wide, open streets, like Foothill Boulevard, sections of Honolulu Avenue and Glenoaks Boulevard, at times seem more like raceways than roadways.

CVW was contacted by readers who were concerned not only about fast drivers but also those who appear to disregard general traffic safety. One resident felt that he was seeing less of a police presence; however, traffic enforcement is out there but, in some cases, the police are simply outnumbered.

Lt. Toby Darby, Glendale Police Dept., reviews all the traffic information throughout the city, including speeding and modified exhausts on vehicles. The department has 12 to 13 motor officers whose primary jobs are speed enforcement as well as covering other traffic issues, like drivers running red lights.

The statistics have recently gone up regarding the number of citations issued, especially since last year when most drivers were not on the roadways due to the pandemic.

Darby said traffic issues are “definitely citywide.” He said motor officers are in the area especially around schools.

“We are [near schools] in the mornings and afternoon,” he said.

He added officers are seeing illegal turning and speeding in addition to other traffic laws that are being ignored.

In addition to irresponsible drivers, officers are also focused on preventing pedestrians from being struck by vehicles.

Officers don’t just write citations but they also try to educate drivers. In the case of an extreme issue, officers will require the driver to be re-evaluated at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles. However, despite having officers focused on areas that have traffic issues they cannot be at all locations at all times throughout the city and speeding continues to be an issue.

“Just this weekend we stopped a [young driver] who was doing 100 miles per hour down Glenoaks,” Darby said.

Glendale, like other agencies, is understaffed; however, Darby said, it’s not as bad as other departments.

The California Highway Patrol is also dealing with a personnel shortage but does have motor and patrol units focusing on troubled areas.

“We do have officers along the 210 Freeway,” said CHP Officer Vince Ramirez.

CHP is the agency that covers the unincorporated areas of LA County/La Crescenta.

Ramirez and Darby both said if local residents see an ongoing issue of drivers being unsafe they can contact the agency that covers their area.

It would be very helpful when reporting a consistent traffic issue to have as much information about the driver as possible including a description of the vehicle and license plate number, if available.

To reach GPD call (818) 548-3131; for CHP call (626) 296-8100.