Trend in LB Traffic Collision Safety Rankings

For the latest data available (2014) these are the highway safety rankings determined from traffic collisions resulting in  injury and fatalities for Laguna Beach and its neighbor Dana Point (ranking system explained previously here).  Notice that Laguna ranks far worse than Dana Point despite being neighbors and South Coast Highway common to both.  From the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The next charts compare the contributors to traffic collisions for Dana Point and Laguna Beach, Laguna again ranks worse than Dana Point.

These charts show collision safety rankings and subsequent arrest when alcohol is involved, comparing Dana Point to Laguna Beach (updated).

These charts determine that:

• Laguna's safety ranking is worse than Dana Point in all categories.
• Laguna remains near the bottom in highway safety rankings for similar Cal cities.
• The trend in Laguna's safety ranking is not improving since 2009
• The trend in Dana Point safety ranking is declining since 2009 
• Alcohol is a major contributor to fatality and injury related collisions.
• High vehicle speed is a major contributor to fatality and injury related collisions. 
• Driver impairment by any means leads to a decline in roadway safety.
• January 1 recreational pot (Kif Kat edibles) will be legal in California. 

How about a hands-free Kush Cake Pop, sure thing for California roads.

-LS

Laguna Streets Traffic Advisory

Maybe try  "Traffic Advisory, USE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT"

LB Traffic Advisory by Nixle www.nixle.com

Or how about "Use Homer's Rules"

Downtown Specific Plan Update

VE showing reduced vehicular access, pedestrian crossing, 200-yard multiuse path

On October 4 the LB Planning Commission will hear updates to the LB Downtown Specific Plan and design recommendations affecting the Village Entrance and Laguna Canyon corridor presented by MIG Consulting.

Accompanying map for MIG Recommendations

 Highlights of design recommendations concerning vehicular circulation in Task 2.7 DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN AND VILLAGE ENTRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VEHICULAR, BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION (starting on page 52 of agenda bill) are:

• Construct a pedestrian walkway from Canyon Acres Drive to Act V (west side)
• Complete pedestrian walkway from 2 to 4 (figure)(east side)(corrected)
• Complete a Class 1 "bike facility" from Canyon Acres to 2 (east side)
• A multi-use pedestrian path will complement the Class 1 "bike facility"
• Reduce vehicle access to Forest Ave Parking Lot from two to one
• Reducing vehicle access improves bicycle and pedestrian safety
• LCR Task Force did not choose a roadway configuration preference (huh?)
• MIG does not recommend a roadway configuration (of 5 alternatives)
• MIG recommends a street tree pallet
• Develop a four-foot permiable shoulder and stormwater swale
• Improve signal timing at the LCAD pedestrian crosswalk
• Install a way-finding program to promote Civic Art District branding
• Eliminate uncontrolled pedestrian crossings (at LCR)
• Create innovative solution for increased northbound vehicle volume

These design recommendations were denied:

• No transit hub
• No support for transit
• No support for rail 
• No compliance with Caltrans Department Directive 64
• No compliance with Complete Streets Policy 

The plan submitted does not conform to a balanced mobility plan, it remains car-centric and guarantees more auto congestion due to inland community growth.  The DSP ensures the Village Entrance remains a parking lot.

Find the full 68 page Planning Commission agenda bill here. 

NOTE:

MIG specifies east and west using Laguna Canyon Road Hwy 133 as a reference running north and south bound. This adds confusion since areal views show the 133 highway also oriented east and west.