Traffic fatalities have decreased more than 44% over the past year, but the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is still emphasizing the importance of driving safely during the holidays.

Since the beginning of 2014, 14 traffic collisions in the city have resulted in the deaths of 15 people, the LBPD said in a statement. In 2013, 27 people died due to traffic collisions.

The most common causes in fatal traffic collisions have been pedestrian-related offenses, speeding and unsafe turning movements.

“The holiday season can be a very busy time causing many people to lose focus, and disregard the rules of the road,” said Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna in a statement. “Drivers are reminded to buckle-up, watch their speed, stay off their phones, and designate a driver if they’re going to be drinking. We want everyone to safely enjoy the holiday season.”

There has also been an increase in citywide injury traffic collisions, police said, with 1,532 injury traffic collisions to date in 2014, a 19.8% increase compared to the same time last year.

“We are committed to improving roadway safety in Long Beach, especially during the holiday season, through our many traffic enforcement efforts and educational campaigns,” said Long Beach Police Commander Michael Beckman, who oversees the traffic section of the LBPD. “These efforts include the issuance of citations for traffic offenses, when appropriate, and operations to locate and arrest drunk drivers.”

Drunk driving is also more prevalent during the holidays. Police said that between January 2014 and November 2014, there were 286 DUI-related traffic collisions in the city, which is a 13% reduction from the previous year. However, there were 1,019 DUI-related arrests in the city in 2014, an increase of 31% compared to 2013.

The LBPD issued the following tips to ensure safe driving:

    • Buckle up and pay close attention while on the road for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
    • Preplan your driving routes and allow plenty of time to navigate and reach your destinations
    • Do not take risks! Pay attention to roadway and traffic conditions and drive accordingly, always obeying the speed limit.
    • Do not talk on the phone, text, read, apply makeup, or do anything else that could distract you.
    • The Three Feet for Safety Act is now law and requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists in the roadway
    • Motorists and bicyclists! Using earbud headsets in both ears while driving or riding a bicycle is illegal and increases the risk for injury or death.
    • Always designate a driver when drinking, or otherwise utilize a taxi service.
    • Pedestrians should always use a crosswalk and look both ways before crossing, even when they have the right-of-way.
    • Never ignore a red light or other traffic control devices/signs.