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SFPD lays out 'Focus on the Five' traffic enforcement as pedestrian fatalities rose in 2013
Summary
Commander Mikhail Ali outlined a data‑driven enforcement plan targeting primary collision behaviors at high‑risk intersections, citing 21 pedestrian fatalities in 2013 (seven in December) and expanded traffic‑safety tactics including LIDAR and data sharing with MTA/DPH.
San Francisco — As pedestrian fatalities rose in late 2013, the Police Department outlined a data‑driven traffic enforcement campaign aimed at the most common collision causes and the city’s most problematic intersections.
Commander Mikhail Ali told the Police Commission the 'Focus on the Five' initiative—based on an analysis of collisions from 2006 to 2011 conducted with MTA and the Department of Public Health—identifies five primary risky behaviors (unsafe speeds, red‑light violations, failure to yield to pedestrians, unsafe turns, and failure to stop at stop signs). Ali said the department is using that analysis to target enforcement where collisions concentrate.
Ali provided recent figures showing 21 pedestrian fatalities in 2013, including seven in December, and described enforcement tools such as LIDAR speed devices, handheld citation technology for motorcycle officers, and the creation of a Traffic Collision Investigation Unit. He said officers issued more than 4,600 cell‑phone citations and that data‑sharing among SFPD, DPH and MTA is rolling out to shorten turnaround times for collision data.
Commissioners pressed for additional short‑term enforcement while staffing levels recover and discussed whether citation revenue might be redirected to fund more traffic enforcement. Several commissioners asked for quarterly traffic‑enforcement updates, and the chief and commander agreed to provide regular reports.
Public commenters from Walk SF and the Bicycle Coalition urged improved reporting and training so collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians are captured and investigated thoroughly; commanders said those concerns are part of the focus‑area enforcement strategy.
The department characterized the initiative as a mix of enforcement, public education, and engineering, and said it will continue partnering with MTA and community groups to measure outcomes.
