‘Onlookers Just Add to Problem’

We’re mandated by policy to conduct certain types of investigations for certain incidents. For example, a noninjury collision investigation, while thorough, would not be as detailed as one involving injuries. Typically with noninjury accidents, we are able to quickly move the vehicles off the freeway.

But sometimes we have to wait for tow trucks to arrive and because of the backup from the collision, the tow trucks get stuck in traffic as well. We recognize that these tie-ups are a concern for motorists. They are also a concern for us because we don’t like to be out on the freeways any more than necessary.

We do everything in our power when possible to get everything off the road as quickly as possible, keeping in mind that we have to obtain certain things for our investigation that, more often than not, we would not be able to go back and get: a good, thorough look at the scene; exact measurements; roadway conditions and lighting; a record of any debris or roadway obstructions.

Many times in injury accidents we have to leave vehicles where they are to take pictures and document everything. These documents do end up in court, and we have to present a thorough, accurate and detailed report. We have to include a lot of information and that sometimes takes a lot of time to gather.

Currently, there is a committee aggressively looking at congestion relief issues throughout the state. It is headed by California Highway Patrol Commissioner Spike Helmick, who was appointed by the governor.

Here in Los Angeles we have three of the busiest intersections around (the 405/101; the East L.A. Interchange where the 60, 5 and 10 all meet; and the 405/10). We’re looking closely at these intersections, with the goal of clearing these roads of accidents as quickly as possible to alleviate some of that congestion.

Curious motorists who slow down to look at accidents only add to the problem. Someone slows to look at what’s going on, and the person behind him or her keeps going, often causing another accident.

We encourage everyone to keep traffic flowing when passing an accident. Not only will it ease the congestion, it will also help tow trucks and ambulances get to the scene.

We don’t often get complaints on this issue. Most people understand that the job we must do is a complicated one.