Accident Reporting on Brentwood Boulevard Explained

There was an interesting item on last night’s Brentwood City Council Agenda where a staff report highlighted an increase in traffic accidents along Brentwood Boulevard between 2011-to-2012 which didn’t sit well with some on the council.

So when in doubt, ask questions which is exactly what Vice Mayor Joel Bryant and Mayor Bob Taylor did.

“There appears to be a spike in accidents recorded. I would like staff to address the reasons,” asked Bryant.

City staff explained that enforcement now falls to Brentwood PD with the relinquishment of Highway 4 and Brentwood PD are reporting all accidents—not just major incidents as the Highway Patrol.

“Just so am I correct to understand they (Brentwood PD) are reporting all accidents and not just all major incidents,” said Bryant. Staffed responded by saying yes.

Mayor Taylor asked about appropriate signage, striping, updated requirements to see where the city stood. Staff explained they met all the requirements

So basically, this can be broken down to two different law enforcement agencies reporting two different figures. One only reported major accidents, while another reported all accidents. CHP doesn’t report minor damage, non-injury to Caltrans. This is where those numbers came from. The New numbers are Brentwoods numbers compared to Caltrans numbers.

I guess we are going to have to wait and see next year whether or not the numbers stay consistent or not before the city decides to potentially adjust the speed limit. In the meantime, kudos to Brentwood Police Department for reporting all accidents as it should have been done from the start.

Here is a breakdown of accidents on the road for the past three years.

Brentwood Boulevard from Delta Road to Nancy Street

• 2010 – 13
• 2011– 14
• 2012 – 23

Brentwood Boulevard from Nancy Street to Central Boulevard/Sycamore  Avenue

• 2010 – 5
• 2011 – 5
• 2012 – 11

Brentwood Boulevard from Central Boulevard/Sycamore Avenue to Chestnut Street

• 2010 – 11
• 2011 – 8
• 2012 – 17

Brentwood Boulevard from Chestnut Street to Fir Street

• 2010 – 3
• 2011 – 3
• 2012 – 4

Brentwood Boulevard from Fir Street to Valdry Court

• 2010 – 1
• 2011 – 3
• 2012 – 8

Brentwood Boulevard from Valdry Court to southern city limit

• 2010 – 2
• 2011 – 1
• 2012 – 0

The council did adopt the resolution approving the speed limits for Brentwood Boulevard with in the City of  Brentwood.

• Brentwood Boulevard from Delta to Nancy Street – 40 MPH
• Brentwood Boulevard from Nancy Street to Central Boulevard – 35 MPH
• Brentwood Boulevard from Central Boulevard to Chestnut Street – 25 MPH
• Brentwood Boulevard from Chestnut Street to Fir Street – 35 MPH
• Brentwood Boulevard from Fir Street to Valdry Court – 40 MPH
• Brentwood Boulevard from Valdry Court to southerly city limit – 55 MPH

Full Staff Report