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SFPD reports increased targeted traffic enforcement and 12 fatalities in Q1 under Vision Zero review
Summary
The department's traffic unit reported a year‑over‑year rise in targeted enforcement ('focus on the five' violations) and noted 12 traffic fatalities in Q1 2016 (58% pedestrians, many seniors). Commissioners praised data‑driven enforcement and asked for continued monitoring.
The San Francisco Police Department's Traffic Company presented its Safe Streets for All (Vision Zero) quarterly report for January–March 2016 on May 4, reporting expanded targeted enforcement and a mixed safety outcome.
Traffic captains and an analyst from the department said 'focus on the five' violations (red‑light, stop‑sign, pedestrian, bicycle and speed‑related infractions) increased in the first quarter: 9,153 'focus on the five' citations were issued in Q1 2016 compared with 7,874 in the same period last year. Several station patrols met or exceeded a 50% target for focusing enforcement on those core violations.
Fatalities and demographics: The unit reported 12 traffic fatalities in Q1. Pedestrians accounted for 7 of the 12 deaths (58 percent of victims); five pedestrian victims were aged 60 or older. Department presenters said the data support targeted enforcement near senior centers and schools and continued collaboration with MTA on roadway changes.
Enforcement actions: The department conducted a commercial vehicle operation with CHP that removed two unsafe commercial vehicles (brake failure, cracked frame). Speeding enforcement was up 19 percent and 'failed to yield on turns' citations increased substantially as the department supported new MTA turn regulations.
Why it matters: The statistics underline Vision Zero goals — preventing traffic deaths through targeted enforcement, engineering and education — and illustrate how station‑level enforcement strategy is being used to meet citywide safety targets.
Ending: Captains and the commission said they will continue quarterly reporting and refine enforcement toward vulnerable road users; the department also mentioned a potential net‑gun pilot in budget planning to offer an alternative to lethal force options in certain field scenarios.
