More deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station on patrol in the city has led to increased safety and fewer traffic collisions, according to data collected by the city’s Department of Public Works.

Comparing the first four months of 2017 to the same time period a year ago, the collision rate in the city has decreased 6.3 percent.

At the same time, there’s been a rise in the number of citations issued, up to approximately 870 from January through April of this year compared to 610 during the same period in 2016.

In addition to the overall rate dropping, collisions involving pedestrians decreased 43.4 percent, those involving fixed objects such as light poles fell 9.6 percent and accidents involving a parked vehicle are down 3.1 percent.

Collisions resulting in injury decreased 9.4 percent and the number of fatalities as a result of an auto accident is down 83.3 percent.

By analyzing data and mapping “hot spots” where unsafe speed collisions occurred at a high percentage in 2016, deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station have increased their presence and emphasized the enforcement of traffic laws.

Data show that through the first four months of this year roughly 75 percent of all citations in the city are related to driving at an unsafe speed. Distracted drivers using their phone to call or text while behind the wheel account for 12.6 percent of citations.

To learn more about the city’s commitment to traffic safety, visit DriveFocusLive.Santa-Clarita.com.