“The next thing I knew I saw a car off to my right, and we got hit and the only thing I was concerned about was my baby,” Sumner said.
One of his minivan’s tires was almost hanging from the front of the vehicle after its wheel well was smashed in from the crash.
The collision highlighted concerns that have been growing about traffic in the city after at least four serious accidents in recent weeks left drivers and passengers in hospitals.
“I’m glad that no one was hurt because running a red light is going into opposing traffic,” Sgt. Tom Lorenz said. “To an unsuspecting driver, that can result in serious injuries or possibly a fatality.”
City and law enforcement officials plan to meet next week to take action in response to the string of accidents, Lorenz said.
One of the major concerns for police is the lack of resources for traffic officers, he said.
“At any given time, say at 7 in the morning, you may have three traffic officers working, and they have to cover 350 miles of roadway in the city of Glendale,” Lorenz said, arguing that more of a presence is necessary to provide serious deterrent to drivers.
Most importantly, drivers need to be cautious, even when approaching green lights, he said, adding that defensive driving can prevent most traffic collisions.
ZAIN SHAUK covers education. He may be reached at (818) 637-3238 or by e-mail at zain.shauk@latimes.com.
