Safe on 17 Task Force
About the Safe on 17 Task Force
The Highway 17 corridor was identified as a high collision corridor in 1998 as a result of collision data analysis and recommendations of local, regional, county and state agencies. The Safe on 17 Task Force was formed to develop and implement collision reducing strategies, such as additional CHP enforcement, traffic safety improvements, and public education. These strategies focus on preventing the occurrence of the top five Primary Collision Factors in fatal and injury collisions including driving at unsafe speeds, vehicle right-of-way violations, improper turning and improper lane change.
The Task Force is comprised of representatives from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) and the San Francisco Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), local police and fire departments, legislators’ offices and the media. SCCRTC and MTC provide $50,000 annually for enhanced CHP enforcement using Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) funds. SAFE funds come from a $1 registration fee on all vehicles in the region and fund the highway call box system, Freeway Service Patrols on Hwy 1 and 17 in addition to extra CHP enforcement on Hwy 17 and other motorist-aid services.
Upcoming Meetings
The Safe on 17 Task Force meets twice a year to share information about transportation projects and collisions on Highway 17 and traffic operation systems in Santa Cruz County. Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
| Date | Location | Agenda | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2024 @ 10am | Zoom | ||
| March 20, 2024 @ 10am |
Zoom | Agenda Packet; Presentation Slides; SR17 Resiliency & Adaptation Plan | Minutes |
Safe on 17
The Highway 17 corridor was identified as a high collision corridor in 1998 as a result of collision data analysis and recommendations of local, regional, county and state agencies. A Task Force was formed to develop and implement the following collision reducing strategies:
The strategies listed above were implemented courtesy of a 3-year grant from the State Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). After the OTS grant expired, the SCCRTC and MTC agreed to continue funding enhanced CHP enforcement with funds from their Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). The Safe on 17 Fact Sheet provides additional information about this program.
Traffic Operations System
Santa Cruz County’s transportation system runs more efficiently and safely due to several Traffic Operation System (TOS) components that provide the public with important information including:
The TOS components are operated at the Oakland Traffic Management Center (TMC) or the San Luis Obispo TMC. Santa Cruz County’s TOS elements were implemented through a cooperative effort between the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) and Caltrans. The TOS Fact Sheet provides additional information about this program.
SR-17 Collision Data
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