The Mobility & Traffic Safety Commission of Encinitas is grappling with a troubling spike in traffic fatalities, prompting discussions about declaring a state of emergency. During the meeting on September 8, 2025, commissioners highlighted that the city has recorded four vulnerable road user deaths this year—three pedestrians and one bicyclist—far exceeding the expected rate for a city of its size.

Commissioners expressed concern over the alarming statistics, noting that the national average for such fatalities is approximately 2.1 per 100,000 people annually, while California's rate is around 3.1. With Encinitas' population estimated at 60,000, the acceptable number of deaths would typically range from one to one and a half per year. The current count of four fatalities raises significant alarm among commission members, who argue that this trend cannot be ignored.

The discussion also touched on the potential benefits of declaring a state of emergency, which could facilitate quicker access to resources and funding for safety improvements. Some commissioners argued that such a declaration would enable the city to act more decisively in addressing the safety concerns highlighted by the fatalities. However, others cautioned against the move, suggesting that it might be premature without a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding each incident.

A key point raised was the need for a comprehensive safety study, which has not been discussed at city council meetings since April 2025, coinciding with the month of the fourth fatality. Community members, including Laura Van Dusen, voiced strong support for the emergency declaration, emphasizing the urgency of implementing safety measures and accessing grant funding to expedite necessary projects.

As the commission continues to deliberate, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to enhance traffic safety and prevent further tragedies on Encinitas roads. The next steps will involve further discussions with city council and potential actions to address the pressing safety issues facing the community.