Parade season returns to Palm Springs with renewed focus on safety
Shay Lawson
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As parade season kicks off in Palm Springs, police are emphasizing safety.
“One of the things to be mindful about is traffic,” Palm Springs Police Lt. Gustavo Araiza said. “Try to get to the event early.”
It comes after Kenney Merenda, Palm Springs Police officer, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a crowd of people during the annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade last year.
Since then, the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) said it’s implementing a series of significant safety reforms to prevent similar incidents.
“As we looked at that event and we did our administrative review, one of the things we thought was really important was to get a policy out that staff understands,” Araiza said. “When we work these events and we’re going to have vehicles involved, what the restrictions are going to be.”
Araiza said the department plans to implement those stricter safety policies for upcoming public events.
“Some of those things are avoiding sharp turns, abrupt stops. Also maintaining a speed limit of below 15 miles per hour,” Araiza said. “There are exceptions, however, if there’s an emergency that we must respond to.”
Palm Springs Police said they’re working to ensure nothing like last year’s incident happens again.
“Moving forward we want to make sure the community gets out there and enjoys the event,” Araiza said. “We will provide exemplary service to the community.”
The first major parade of the season, the Palm Springs High School homecoming parade, is scheduled for Wednesday.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.