Public records search by ECM finds 1,805 accidents, including 20 fatalities and 673 injuries from 2018 to the present
By Miriam Raftery
October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – On Sept. 27, the La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a request for proposals to erect electronic billboards along Interstate 8 and potentially, other areas in the city. The action reversed a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. But after the measure was amended to assure revenues from billboards would be used primarily to fund police, firefighting and the arts, the Council majority opted to ignore concerns over public safety and approve soliciting proposals for the flashing advertising along the city's busiest freeway.
Supporters argued that the billboards would produce revenues needed by the city.
But Councilman Jack Shu, who cast the lone vote against the proposal, and other opponents argued that these flashing billboards could distract drivers, particularly near the busy interchange of I-8 and State Route 125 near Grossmont Center regional shopping mall.
How dangerous is that area already? Council and staff failed to do their research.
To find out, East County Magazine (ECM) obtained public records from the California Highway Patrol. Our editor requested data on accidents along I-8 east and west throughout the city of La Mesa from Lake Murray Blvd. on the west to Chase Ave. in El Cajon, since one billboard site would be near the La Mesa/El Cajon boundary. We also asked for data on accidents on onramps connecting I-8 and SR 125.
The data reveals that from Jan. 1, 2018 to Oct. 10, 2023, there were 1,805 accidents in those locations. Those accidents resulted in 20 fatalities and 673 injuries.
Recent comments