Crash patrol improves traffic

Los Angeles Daily News

LOS ANGELES — A California Highway Patrol’s year-old experiment at clearing crashes faster on the Ventura Freeway has improved traffic flows and response times so successfully it will be the model for two similar programs in Los Angeles County.

Prior to the program, the average response time was 21 minutes, and the average time on the scene was 37 minutes. During August, the average response time was five minutes and the on-scene average was 10 minutes, according to the Highway Patrol.

The program — 15 officers specifically assigned to get to crashes, stalled cars and other impediments quickly — was implemented Nov. 1, 2000, by the patrol on a five-mile stretch of the Ventura Freeway.

Known as the Focus Congestion Management Program, it was made possible by $14.5 million used to add 150 motorcycle officers at freeway choke points.

"Their main function is to clear any type of hazard from the road to alleviate any type of congestion," patrol Capt. Mike Poore said.

"They are really the emergency room of traffic congestion, these are the guys who make a difference," said David Fleming, co-chairman of the San Fernando Valley Transportation Strike Force.

Most of the officers conducting the patrols are on motorcycles, which can navigate more easily in traffic, said Mike Brown, the patrol’s southern division chief, adding that some patrol cars are also necessary to assist with getting vehicles off the roadway.

Fleming said that while he served on the California Transportation Commission he learned that even heavy traffic can move at high speeds if crashes and other impediments are removed quickly.

"That’s why the CHP program makes so much sense," Fleming said. "By clearing accidents quicker, you save (time)," he said. "If you save five minutes of time in clearing freeway accidents, you end up saving a half-hour in congestion."

To improve the program, the Highway Patrol also purchased a $380,000 Cessna assist the ground units, Brown said.

"It’s kind of like having a beat partner in the air," he said. "It helps us out tremendously."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Everett fire destroys home under construction, damages adjacent structures

The fire happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Everett
Open house on Everett comprehensive plan coming Feb. 28

The state requires fast-growing cities like Everett to create comprehensive plans, which plan for population growth, transportation improvements and more.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.