Traffic crashes in Mission Hills are decreasing, data shows

Residents of Mission Hills are worried about traffic crashes on Sepulveda Boulevard. However, recent data shows that incidents have actually decreased. Sepulveda Boulevard has multiple lanes and long, straight stretches. This has led some drivers to speed, resulting in serious accidents. One crash last year left a driver with severe injuries, and last month, a 71-year-old man was killed while crossing the street. Additionally, a recent crash involving a speeding pickup truck caused damage to a T-Mobile store, leading to its closure. Local residents have noticed reckless driving in the area. Jeremy Cervantes believes that people are not paying attention when driving. Hamid Nomar, who works security at a local strip mall, has seen many drivers ignoring traffic rules, particularly late at night. Despite these concerns, data from the Eyewitness News Data Journalism Team reveals a different story. Over the past decade, the number of crashes on Sepulveda Boulevard actually peaked in 2016 at 344 incidents. Since the COVID pandemic, the number of crashes has significantly decreased, with this year set to have one of the lowest totals. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized a three-part approach to traffic safety: education, engineering, and enforcement. He noted the importance of understanding the factors that lead to accidents and how to address them effectively.