Hwys. 54/74 top accident site

Traffic wrecks increased from 2005 to 2006 in Peachtree City, police said.

The most frequent violations leading to those wrecks were following too close, speeding, right-of-way and turning violations and disobeying traffic control signals, signs or devices, police said.

Although the department has four officers assigned to handle traffic crashes, accident scene can also tie up several other officers depending on the amount of traffic that needs to be directed. Those four specially trained officers of the department’s Community Response Team can reconstruct crash scenes, and they generally are assigned to areas of hazardous traffic violations or areas where the highest number of collisions occur, police said.

Through November, the intersection with the largest number of crashes in 2006 was the crossing of Ga. Highways 54 and 74, with 60 wrecks, police reported. Just to the east, Hwy. 54 and Commerce Drive came in second with 42 wrecks. Hwy. 74 and Crosstown Drive was third with 29 crashes and Hwy. 54 and Peachtree Parkway was fourth with 22 crashes.

The department also uses a speed measuring radar trailer which measures the speed of oncoming vehicles and displays it alongside a sign on the trailer denoting the speed limit for the road. That gives motorists a clear reminder of their speed in case they are unaware, police said.

Police are also developing a way for citizens to submit traffic concerns online. Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to report them by leaving a message for patrol commander Terry Ernst or any member of the Community Response Team by calling 770-487-8866. Although they can’t respond as quickly as the department would like, a commitment is made to try and address citizens’ concerns.

The department uses computer data to track problem traffic areas and participates in other traffic enforcement programs including the operation of road safety checks and DUI and sobriety checkpoints. The department also has a child safety seat program, makes bike safety presentations and participates in the Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Network so it can share information with other Atlanta area agencies.

For more information on police programs, visit www.ptcpolice.org or call 770-487-8866.