We the residents and visitors of Hopland, CA, hereby petition the California Department of Transportation to reduce the existing speed limit of thirty-five (35) miles per hour to twenty-five (25) miles per hour in hopes to reduce the number of transportation-related deaths and accidents. 

The US 101 crosses into the Mendocino County line as a freeway for one mile, but then narrows to an expressway through the Russian River canyon, and eventually a two-lane road south of Hopland. From San Francisco continuing north, it is the only town for 150 miles that US 101 crosses through the downtown area. 

According to the Caltrans Feasibility Study published October 2015, the calculated collision rate in this area of the 101 is higher than the Statewide average. The most common primary collision factor was speeding. In addition to travel speeds, there are limited pedestrian crossings and those crossings are extremely dangerous at peak times of the day. Automobile collisions are regular and have caused property damage, personal damage, and loss of life. There are major concerns from our community that if the situation is not addressed, transportation-related deaths and accidents will continue to occur at a rapid rate.

Here are just a few accidents this year:

Two injured in Highway 101 crash
https://www.navbug.com/article274049529_arch20170812/two_injured_in_highway_101_crash_north_of_hopland.htm

One killed in rollover crash on Highway 101
https://www.navbug.com/article273652225_arch20170811/one_killed_in_rollover_crash_on_highway_101_south_of_ukiah.htm

Crash on Highway 101 in Hopland caused by swerving big rig
https://www.navbug.com/article274449150_arch20170814/chp_crash_on_highway_101_in_hopland_caused_by_swerving_big_rig.htm

Grape truck crashes with pickup in Hopland
https://www.navbug.com/article273834909_arch20170812/updated_4pm_grape_truck_crashes_with_pickup_in_hopland_the_the_mendocino_voice.htm

One killed in rollover crash on Highway 101 south of Ukiah
https://www.navbug.com/article273652225_arch20170811/one_killed_in_rollover_crash_on_highway_101_south_of_ukiah.htm

Motorcyclist injured in head-on crash near Hopland
https://www.navbug.com/article256298838_arch20170601/motorcyclist_injured_in_head_on_crash_near_hopland.htm

James Brooks, 56, seriously injured in motorcycle collision on Highway 101 in Hopland, California
https://www.navbug.com/article256298843_arch20170601/james_brooks_56_seriously_injured_in_motorcycle_collision_on_highway_101_in_hopland_california.htm

Semi and farm labor bus collide south of Ukiah
https://www.navbug.com/article246191791_arch20170415/semi_and_farm_labor_bus_collide_south_of_ukiah.htm

Truck crashes into Hopland restaurant Friday
https://www.navbug.com/article240604820_arch20170320/truck_crashes_into_hopland_restaurant_friday.htm