Deer, Squirrels Struck By Cars Spur Push For Road Safety Fixes In Novato

NOVATO, CA — The Novato City Council unanimously directed staff to return with potential safety improvements and cost estimates at its Oct. 13 meeting for a road where residents had reported speeding and collisions with wildlife near a blind curve.

Mayor Rachel Farac said the city had received ongoing complaints and a petition signed by more than 40 residents for the area on Santa Maria Drive.

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She told the council that the request was to study the road and identify possible options — not to predetermine a solution

"I'm simply asking for staff to review existing conditions on Santa Maria Drive and return to the council with recommendations for consideration," Farac said.

Farac noted that residents regularly saw wildlife crossing the road and that, in the preceding six months, at least two deer and two squirrels had been struck by vehicles in the area.

She also cited the risks to motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and neighborhood residents, especially around the curve, where visibility was limited.

Councilmember Pat Eklund supported the request while asking the city to consider other streets with similar concerns

"People do have a habit of going a little bit faster, and folks are crossing streets sometimes where you don't have crosswalks," she said.

City Manager Amy Cunningham told councilmembers that staff had already been developing options for Santa Maria Drive and was fine-tuning potential solutions.

After the council approved the item, Cunningham asked whether staff could return with solutions and costs rather than add another preliminary step. Farac agreed.

Eklund also asked staff to share its list of planned traffic-safety projects and street locations.

Cunningham said staff could provide that list and bring forward a pavement-condition report after a study expected to be completed in winter.