Captain's Message West Traffic Division
Captain’s Message
June 2009
SPECIAL SUMMER SAFETY ALERT
It is estimated that two-thirds, or two out of every three, of the approximate 200 million drivers on our roadways drink alcoholic beverages at one time or another before driving.
Even one drink can cause a driver to become dangerous.
During the upcoming warmer summer months, many individuals consume beverages containing alcohol more frequently than what they normally would during the cooler months. Although many individuals have not seen the devastating results of alcohol or drug related traffic collisions, the reality is that this is a serious problem facing the members of our communities. When an individual is operating a vehicle while impaired, he or she becomes a very significant threat to the lives of pedestrians and bicyclists as well as other motorists. Statistics indicate that the problem of impaired drivers operating vehicles on our roadways is extensive. Consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs severely hinders a driver’s ability to observe traffic conditions, make the appropriate driving decisions, take the necessary actions when operating a vehicle, and can have disastrous results. Impaired drivers cause severe injuries, including paralysis and death, to thousands of innocent people every year.
For their own safety, pedestrians and bicyclists also have the responsibility to adhere to the rules of the road as they pertain to the traveling public. Remaining alert to traffic conditions while traveling on foot or by bicycle, particularly while in the vicinity of moving vehicles, will help avoid a collision and the injuries that often occur as a result.
In addition to the enforcement efforts of all of the officers assigned to West Traffic Division, a special unit of officers is also deployed whose primary function is the direct enforcement of laws prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Please remember that when you take control of a vehicle, the safety of the public including other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists is dependent upon your ability to operate your vehicle in a safe manner. Please also watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists since their smaller overall size can be more difficult to see as we share the road.
The combined enforcement efforts of all of West Traffic Division’s officers serve to both educate the public and decrease the number of tragic collisions that could have occurred.
Our officers will be assigned to special details in support of the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Click It or Ticket” Mobilization campaign currently in force through June 1st, as well as other safety details.
The WTD Community Traffic Services Unit (CTSU) is one of the specialized units operating as a part of West Traffic Division that works to resolve community concerns. If you have traffic safety concerns in a particular area, you may contact CTSU at (213) 473-0215 or West Traffic Division at (213) 473-0222 to voice your concerns. Further information regarding CTSU is available on the WTD Webpage.
The areas within Operations-West Bureau and WTD are Hollywood, Wilshire, Pacific, and West Los Angeles Areas. Any of the 19 geographical areas' WebPages can be accessed via www.LAPDonline.org. Please check the Crime Prevention Circular for the areas that are of particular interest to you.
Traffic Tips
• Look both ways twice before crossing the street.
• Wear your seatbelt and ensure that children with you are properly secured.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Please slow down. Speed kills.
CAPTAIN NANCY D. LAUER Commanding Officer West Traffic Division
west bureau 
