Since state Sen. Leland Yee's double fine zone bill passed, 19th Avenue (Highway 1) has seen fewer accidents, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Since January, there have been only seven accidents and no fatalities.

According to Yee's office, if the rate continues, the highway would have 28 accidents for the year, which is half of last year's number of 56 collisions.

"The numbers indicate that we've had a drop-off since the new fines went into effect. Drivers seems to be more cautious," said Lyn Tomioka, spokeswoman for SFPD.

SFPD reported 555 total collisions of automobiles from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2007. From the same period, there were 55 pedestrian-related accidents and six pedestrian deaths.

Between July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, there were 84 total collisions, nine pedestrian related accidents and one death.

Several other improvements have also been made to the dangerous corridor, which stretches about 5 miles from Junipero Serra Boulevard to Lake Street, including countdown pedestrian signals, more visible crosswalks and reduced speed limits.

"Finally, we have the missing piece to the puzzle and can hopefully put an end to the loss of innocent lives along the high-speed avenue," Yee said.

The senator said, however, that it is too early to tell the law's effectiveness, but it was still quite encouraging to see the decrease.

"Drivers are clearly taking notice of the double fine zone signs," Yee said.

Two years ago, SF State student Sandy Kim was a victim of the dangerous highway. The 21-year-old sociology major was hit by a car on 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard while waiting to the cross the street. The month following her death, a new left turn signal was placed at the intersection.

SF State hired two crossing guards in 2007 who aid students crossing 19th and Holloway Avenues between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"Usually if there is not a crossing guard, you don't feel safe crossing," said Jessica Villalobos, 18. "It's a step up from having nobody," added the undeclared student.

Adding local and state assessments, fines now range from $137.50 (for speeding up to 15 mph) to $2,750 (for reckless driving causing bodily injury).