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 PACKET MINUTES
April 8, 2026 @ 10am RTC Office and Zoom Agenda
TBD
 RTC Office and Zoom

Meetings

RTC Contact

Max Friedman
Transportation Planner
info@sccrtc.org
(831) 460-3200

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:

Extra CHP Enforcement on Highway 17

High CHP visibility serves to encourage safer driving and deter traffic violations. Added CHP enforcement is funded in part by Measure D – Highways

Road Improvements

Road improvements include shoulder and lane widening, improved barriers and road drainage, additional warning devices, and tree trimming. These improvements increase vehicle control, increase the clear recovery area for vehicles, increase sight distances, advise motorists to be cautious and address wet weather collisions.

Increased Public Education

Public education efforts increase driver awareness of safe driving practices, especially on mountainous highways and thus reduce collisions. Brochures, press releases and articles are examples of mechanisms for informing the public about safety on Highway 17.

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.

SAFE ON 17 ANNUAL REPORTS Preview modal-

Safe on 17 annual reports:

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:

Changeable Message Signs (CMS)

Displays messages about roadway conditions, incidents, and delays

Dynamic Curve Warning Signs

Broadcasts driver speeds and cautions drivers about safe speeds

Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) Cameras

Monitors incidents and conditions, and verifies messages on CMS and EMS

Traffic Monitoring Stations

Obtains information about traffic speeds and counts

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.

TOS FACT SHEET

SR-17 Collision Data

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