Santa Rosa police scrutinize drivers at fiery crash scene

Following last week’s fiery 10-vehicle pileup at Fountaingrove Parkway and Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa police this week will continue to focus on the busy intersection, looking for drivers who ignore traffic rules.

The one-week enforcement initiative started last Wednesday but was extended through next Monday to give officers more opportunity to watch weekday traffic and gather data on driving habits, Santa Rosa traffic Sgt. Summer Black said.

Officers will continue to look for drivers who speed, run red lights, use their cellphones, make bad lane changes or fail to use a seat belt.

“We haven’t seen an increase in problems, but because of the wreck last week, we wanted to have more presence up there,” Black said.

The Feb. 5 crash occurred when a dump truck descending from Fountaingrove with a load of fire debris ran a red light and crashed into traffic. Spilled fuel sparked fires that destroyed six vehicles, including the truck. Seven people were hurt, including at least three with critical injuries.

Santa Rosa traffic officers, with help from the CHP, are investigating the crash. The CHP has completed its evaluation of the remains of the burned truck for any mechanical issues. Police officials are awaiting the results.

Santa Rosa police each year track the 15 worst intersections for crashes. In 2016, the Fountaingrove Parkway and Mendocino Avenue intersection was third-worst in the city, with 15 crashes. Police gave the area added enforcement and it fell off the list in 2017. However, nearby Mendocino Avenue and Bicentennial Way is No. 11 on the 2017 list.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter@rossmannreport.