Palm Drive seeing concerning number of accidents, what’s being done by Desert Hot Springs

Palm Drive, a major corridor into and out of the Desert Hot Springs, but also a major problem for drivers.

Five accidents have occurred on Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs recently, four of those within the past two weeks.

Just Wednesday, a two-car crash on Palm Drive and 20th Avenue just past 1PM, impacting traffic. Thus far, no major injuries confirmed.

As a response, city police is increasing traffic enforcement.

“For the residents, they need to understand that there’s going to be a lot of police presence there and not just DHS, we will be working with Cathedral City and CHP to try to calm things down there.”
Jim Henson, Desert Hot Springs Police Chief

According to Steven Shaw, Desert Hot Springs Deputy Police Chief, part of the problem is the way the roadway is designed, a long, straight stretch with no breakups, signals or stop signs.

Despite more patrolling of the road, residents are asking why it's taken so long for action. The city says it's a lengthy process.

“With any projects like this there has to be studies that have to be completed to show again that the issue... is, one, proving that there’s an issue, two, how do you solve that issue and sometimes the most challenging piece of that is how do you fund the project.” 

Doria Wilms, Desert Hot Springs Deputy City Manager

Additionally, the city received a nearly $10 million infrastructure grant to improve conditions on Palm Drive, including traffic signals and street lighting. Construction is set to begin Spring 2025.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.