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Accountability for Drivers in Fatal Crashes: A Look at Cycling Safety in Santa Fe

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The adoption of Vision Zero in Santa Fe has raised questions about accountability for drivers involved in fatal crashes with cyclists. Following a June crash that killed 42-year-old Steven Ballinger, committee member Gary Schiffmiller requested a discussion on whether drivers who strike and kill cyclists face adequate accountability from law enforcement. The city council's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the issue on Thursday, where committee member Schiffmiller plans to argue that charges of reckless driving or vehicular homicide should be considered for drivers who cause fatal crashes. Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Ben Valdez countered that the standard for reckless driving is high and requires a showing of "willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others." The committee's proposal to adopt a Vision Zero Strategy aims to improve infrastructure to protect cyclists and pedestrians, but some argue that this is not enough to address the issue of driver accountability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The city of Santa Fe is considering adopting a Vision Zero Strategy to improve infrastructure and make transportation safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • In the wake of a fatal crash in June that killed a cyclist, the driver of a pickup truck was charged with careless driving, but a committee member has questioned whether this charge is sufficient.
  • Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Ben Valdez argued that the standard for reckless driving is high and requires a showing of "willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others."
  • Committee member Gary Schiffmiller argued that charges of reckless driving or vehicular homicide should be considered for drivers who cause fatal crashes.
  • The committee's proposal to adopt a Vision Zero Strategy aims to improve infrastructure to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
  • City Councilor Michael Garcia acknowledged concerns from community members about the level of accountability in fatal car-bicycle crashes.

Statistics:

  • 42-year-old Steven Ballinger killed in a June crash when a driver ran a stoplight and struck his bicycle.
  • The driver of the pickup truck was charged with a misdemeanor count of careless driving and no proof of insurance.
  • The driver pleaded no contest to the count of careless driving and received a deferred sentence.
  • 27-year-old Sebastian Crespo was the driver of the pickup truck that struck and killed Steven Ballinger.
  • In Santa Fe, drivers who are found to be intoxicated who cause crashes are often charged with reckless driving.

Sources:

  • "Santa Fe police were assessing the scene of a fatal crash at Cerrillos Road and Osage Avenue" (source: Santa Fe New Mexican).
  • "Committee member Gary Schiffmiller has argued that a driver who runs a stoplight and kills someone should face more severe charges, such as reckless driving or vehicular homicide" (source: Santa Fe New Mexican).
  • "Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Ben Valdez noted that the standard for reckless driving is high and requires a showing of 'willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others'" (source: Santa Fe New Mexican).
  • "City Councilor Michael Garcia acknowledged concerns from community members about the level of accountability in fatal car-bicycle crashes" (source: Santa Fe New Mexican).

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