For those of you who are more Facebook-inclined, Eric Bollens has started a Community Page for Safe Westside. Here are several things we can expect to see in coming weeks that will be communicated and organized, at least partially, through this group:
- LICENSE PLATE REPORTING PROGRAM. In the next week or so, a web application will go up that will allow travelers to report cars driving recklessly or at excessive speed on Palisades Drive and Sunset Boulevard. While regular citizens cannot write tickets, LAPD is involved with this community effort and will be sending out letters to all reported speeders and going even further in extreme cases; the plates will also be published on the website and sent to the Palisadian Post to raise awareness.
- CITIZEN RADAR PROGRAM. This is the next step of the license plate reporting program. The LAPD has offered to train citizens as radar operators and then dispatch them in pairs, an operator and a spotter, to collect information on speeders on Palisades Drive. At the Rustic Canyon meeting, there were more than ten volunteers that were willing to spend the time to get trained and make a six month commitment as operators. However, these people, once trained, will need spotters to write down the plates once they clock the cars. For students in high school, this is even an opportunity to get community service while truly, truly making a difference.
- COMMUNITY AWARENESS VIDEO. Currently in the early planning stages, we are looking to put together a video to raise community awareness about the dangers involved with speeding and reckless driving. We’re looking for ideas on exactly how to put this together, as well as people willing to speak, even just for a few second clip, about how they have been impacted.
- SPEAKING OUT. In the coming months, the LAPD, local schools, and community groups will be looking for people willing to come and speak at school assemblies and for other events. For those who willing to share their own personal experiences, no matter how hard they may be to share, this is probably one of the best ways to reach others and warn them of the dangers in speeding.
- THE PLEDGE. Last week, the beginnings of a Pledge were drawn up. The exact language of this Pledge is still being worked on, but essentially those that pledge will promise never to speed or drive recklessly again and to take positive efforts to stop others from doing so as well. A website will be put up where all the pledgers’ names will be published, and decals will also be offered that can be placed on a car to show the driver has pledged.
