South County : Use of Radar Urged for Ortega Highway
Concerned by the high number of accidents on scenic but dangerous Ortega Highway, the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday urged the state Legislature to allow the California Highway Patrol to use radar to curb speeding on the road.
“This is a unique highway, characterized by numerous curves and picturesque distractions,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas F. Riley said. “Excessive speeding combined with these factors has claimed many lives.”
Officials said that because the highway, officially known as State Route 74, is a state road, the Legislature must approve a bill allowing the use of radar. The road runs from San Juan Capistrano through the Cleveland National Forest and into Riverside County, ending near Lake Elsinore.
The 14-mile portion of the road within Orange County last year accounted for 87 accidents in which four people were killed and 95 were injured.
Radar is used on two county roads patroled by the CHP, one in Mission Viejo and another in North Tustin.
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