Full Notification

February has been a busy month for the Simi Valley Police Traffic Bureau as it relates to collisions at intersections. The below listed intersections have all had collisions involving drivers who are turning in front of oncoming vehicles.

2/8- LA Ave. at Church
2/9- LA Ave. at Angus
2/9 - Madera at Aristotle
2/10 - Madera at Cancun
2/10 - LA Ave. at Church
2/12 - Tapo Street at Cochran
2/12 - Alamo at Sequoia
2/14 - LA Ave. at Sequoia
2/14- Cochran at Wisteria
2/15- Galena at Cochran

When making turns at an intersection, please consider following "The Golden Rule" of an intersection: When in doubt, wait for the approaching car to pass or stop completely.

CA Vehicle Code Section 21801(a) states in pertinent part: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn, or to turn left into public or private property, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicle(s) until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety." (Edited)

When in doubt, wait. Intersection collisions and "right-of-way" violations are the number one causes of collisions in Simi Valley. Intersection collisions routinely result in injuries to those we care about and can be avoided with patience, good judgment and sober drivers.

Other CA Vehicle Code sections that apply are 21802(a), 21803(a) and 21804(a) et. seq. for those who would like to conduct their own Google research.

Driving tips to help:
1) Try to maintain an "even keel" emotional state once you are driving.
2) Plan your driving route.
3) Leave early so you don't feel rushed to get through intersections.
4) Leave the cell phone off--it is a distraction.
5) Sober drivers are better drivers-- this includes Marijuana.

The Simi Valley Police Department wants everyone to follow this often violated rule of traffic safety. Auto collisions are a leading cause of death in the United States. It's better to wait and be late than act rash and crash.