Summertime events, pedestrians and increased traffic combine to create a risky blend
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The peak of summer brings with it multiple events, extra traffic and anxious pedestrians.
Sometimes it also creates a dangerous blend.
"There's definitely a large influx of people that come in to Santa Barbara. Traffic can definitely be effected," said Santa Barbara Police Sergeant Ethan Ragsdale. He say three quick reminders are, "drive safe, walk safe, bike safe ."
Thursday night more than 1000 people showed up at Chase Palm Park for concerts in the park. Many had to park and walk for blocks after finding parking. Some were on Cabrillo Boulevard and crossed over without going to the nearest corner. Some parked in the railroad right of way near the train track after going around boulders to prevent the use of the area.
It creates a myriad of safety concerns.
The waterfront will have an increase in people coming up with the Fiesta parade, El Desfile Historico on Friday Aug. 4 and the Fiesta Children's Parade Saturday Aug. 5.
There will also be many people coming out to see the San Salvador replica ship from 1542 in the harbor and take a tour of the vessel making a visit from San Diego.
On top of that there will be hot weather and a solid beach crowd coming and going.
Santa Barbara Police would like to remind the community about important information and safety topics during the Fiesta celebration.
The City of Santa Barbara will release its guidelines for Old Spanish Days on Monday. That will include an update on police presence, parking tips and rules, a reminder about the ban on smoking and also alcohol beverages in public places and street closures.
Heavy traffic is expected in the area of Loma Alta, Shoreline Dr., Castillo St., and Cabrillo Blvd.
The Santa Barbara City College Parking lot will be the site of the new Mercado de la Playa. That will feature a carnival including a Ferris wheel, along with food booths and a stage with live performers.
In recent years the city has installed many mid block crosswalks giving pedestrians safer choices when crossing busy streets like Cabrillo Boulevard.
A visitor from Boston Ron Simonelli said, "I try to abide by the rules here but my tendency is just to dodge the traffic and get across."
On the walkway he was almost hit by a high speed bike rider. I could sense him coming. One step to the left and I knew I would have probably been wiped out."
A visitor from Bakersfield appreciated the efforts to slow traffic and have pedestrians follow some common sense rules. "There has to be some kind of control and if you don't you have chaos and you have injuries and what starts out as a good celebration of whatever you are trying to do turns out to be a real downer for everybody," said Alan Neuman.
His wife Kelli, said the crossing lights were very efficient and not a lengthy burden. "you just hit the button and it's instantaneous. You're not waiting for a red light. It's pretty cool here," she said.
If either a pedestrian or a driver is impaired, Ragsdale says the result of a crash could be catastrophic.
"It can be really dangerous and I've seen some scary things happening either somebody is not paying attention and walks out in front of a car and there is a near miss traffic collision or somebody is trying to cross a really busy roadway not in a crosswalk," he said.
Additional officers will be deployed in the area during Old Spanish Days.
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