Lt. Don Meredith
On May 31, H.G. "Gil" Martinez wrote a letter to the editor about a
speeding citation he has been issued. In his letter, Martinez, admitted
to the violation and thought it unfair he was cited and found guilty by a
judge. Martinez is quick to try and focus the blame on others. He states
that there is a "good-ol'-boy" network alive in Glendale that warrants a
department of Justice investigation.
Martinez, indicated he would like to know at what speed a ticket would
be written for going faster than the posted speed. Is it 26? 27? 30?
As with all traffic laws, officers are taught to use discretion and
judgment in conducting enforcement. State law sets forth the parameters
for establishing speed zones and limits. This encompasses many factors,
including type of area, size of roadway, type of road and location. Once
a speed limit is established for a roadway, officers will take
enforcement action as needed. When enforcing speed laws, the officers
will take into consideration traffic flow, hazards, weather, time of day
and other factors in determining what speed to cite for over the posted
limit. Unsafe speed is the No. 1 cause of accidents in Glendale.
Martinez stated he was cited for traveling at 39 mph in a 25 mph zone.
That is 14 miles an hour faster than the posted speed limit. What is
really frightening, is the fact that this was in a school zone at 7:30
a.m., a time when staff and students begin to arrive. The particular
portion of Pacific Avenue where he was cited includes an elementary
school, a park and numerous apartment buildings.
Due to the numerous children in the area, substantial pedestrian
traffic and the fact that Pacific Avenue is a two-lane roadway at this
point -- 39 mph would definitely be an unsafe speed. That is why it is a
25 mph zone at the location.
It's no surprise that Martinez was not happy about getting a ticket or
that he was found guilty. What troubles me is the cavalier attitude he
displays in regards to the safety of others.
He should be thankful the officer was diligent in his duties. Why?
Because it may have slowed Martinez down and prevented him from being
involved in an accident.
Too frequently, we investigate accidents where people have died. The
duty falls upon us to notify the next of kin, that a loved one was
killed. We also have the responsibility of arresting and prosecuting
drivers for manslaughter and at times murder because their traffic
violation caused the death of another.
As the commander of the Glendale Police Department Traffic Bureau, I
want to assure Gil Martinez that we assertively enforce all traffic laws
fairly and equally in an effort to make Glendale as safe as possible.
Don Meredith is the traffic bureau commander for the Glendale Police
Department.
