Patch Question: Why Are Auto Accidents Up in Long Beach?

A week after Patch posed the question “Will More Stop Signs Mean Fewer Accidents?", in which data was provided on the number of auto-related accidents in Long Beach from 2007 to 2010, the City of Long Beach released the police department’s accident data analysis for 2011.

The data reveals that there were 983 accidents in 2011, an increase of 22 accidents from the previous year. This, after more than 100 stop signs were installed citywide between November 2010 and early 2011. The most recorded accidents were in 2007, at 1,000, and the fewest were 958 in 2008.

The 2011 analysis also shows that Long Beach Boulevad and East Park Avenue continues to top the list of intersections with the highest rate of accidents, with 84. Listed second, with 28 accidents, is Long Beach Boulevard and East Pine Street, follow by Edwards Boulevard and Park Avenue and National Boulevard and West Park Avenue, with 26 accidents listed for both intersections.

Overall, 21 accidents involved pedestrians or bicyclists, with five at East Park-Long Beach, followed by four at Magnolia Boulevard and West Park Avenue. There were no fatalities recorded last year. In 2010, 25 accidents involved pedestrians or bicyclists, and four fatalities.

Given the accident rate in the city remained relatively the same in 2011 compared with previous years, what impact, if any, do you think the increased number of stop signs had on traffic in Long Beach in 2011? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.