In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing traffic safety and enforcement, highlighting the urgent need for improved measures to protect pedestrians and reduce traffic-related fatalities. Jody Maderas, executive director of Walk San Francisco, emphasized the alarming trend of increasing accidents, particularly affecting pedestrians, and called for targeted traffic enforcement to address dangerous driving behaviors.
Maderas praised the efforts of Commander Jones and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) in prioritizing traffic safety, but noted that current citation rates remain insufficient, with less than one ticket issued per day by the traffic company. She urged for better data utilization to identify high-risk areas and behaviors, advocating for a more transparent approach to traffic enforcement.
Residents also voiced their concerns during public comments, particularly regarding dangerous intersections like Market and Octavia. One speaker highlighted the need for increased police presence and collaboration with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to implement physical improvements on roads that would encourage safer driving and protect pedestrians.
Supervisor Mandelmann acknowledged the progress made in traffic enforcement but stressed that more work is needed across the department to prioritize safety. He proposed continuing the discussion in future meetings to evaluate data and set clear goals for reducing traffic fatalities and injuries.
The meeting underscored a collective commitment to making San Francisco streets safer for all residents, with a focus on accountability and proactive measures to address the growing concerns surrounding traffic safety. As the city moves towards its Vision Zero policy, the collaboration between various agencies and community advocates will be crucial in achieving these goals.