City’s Use of Radar to Monitor Speed of Cyclists, Skaters Stirs Controversy
Re “Bikers, Skaters Face New Speed Laws in Huntington Beach” (Oct. 8): If radar is to be used on the Huntington Beach strand to control the speed of bicyclists, skateboarders and skaters, why not permit radar on our highways to control the speed of automobiles and trucks? California is the only state in the United States that does not allow radar on its state highways.
From 1982-1989, there were 4,800 people killed and more than 122,000 injured in California in collisions involving trucks. According to the CHP Truck Safety Report to the Governor and the Legislature (January, 1991) truck speed accounts for nearly 38% of truck-driver-at-fault accidents and is often difficult to enforce.
Considering the devastation to life and property created by a big-rig crash, the penalty for speeding at the beach strand--$500 and three months in jail--seems out of proportion.
HELEN SHANBROM, Santa Ana
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