Tag: drivers

MALIBU—On November 24, the city of Malibu announced that residents are asked to join the city and Caltrans for the in-person community meeting on Tuesday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Malibu City Hall to learn about and share feedback on the PCH Quick-Build Roundabouts Project at El Matador State Beach and Encinal Canyon Road.

The project was identified as part of the 2015 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Safety Study that was accepted by the Malibu City Council on June 22, 2015, for implementation. The comprehensive traffic safety study was completed in collaboration between several agencies and organizations. The study examined road conditions, determined accident patterns, assessed traffic conflicts, and developed strategies to improve safety on PCH corridor in Malibu.

The purpose of the project is to improve the safety and operations of Pacific Coast Highway by placing the roundabouts at the intersections of Encinal Canyon Road and El Matador State Beach to improve safety through reducing vehicular speeds, enabling safe conditions for parking and pedestrian crossings, improving visibility, and providing pedestrian refuge.

The project aims to decrease speeds, improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and make crossings safer near El Matador and Encinal Canyon. These locations were identified in the 2015 Pacific Coast Highway Safety Study, which examined collision data, traffic patterns, and pedestrian conflicts throughout the Malibu corridor. Construction is expected to start in early 2026.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, November 12, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced in a news release that they want drivers and families to be aware to buckle up as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

Drivers and passengers should Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Whether taking a long drive across the country or a shorter trip around town to celebrate, wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing to protect yourself in a crash.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023, 309 people were killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 44% were not wearing seat belts.

“The Thanksgiving holiday is the start of a special time of year for so many people,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “No matter how long or short your drive, it’s important that drivers and passengers wear a seat belt. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car, including children being in the correct car seats, too.”

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children 8 and older, or those at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but must be secured by a safety belt at a minimum.

Parents and caregivers are asked to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, September 4, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that major lane closures on the I-405 Freeway due to a $143.7 million Sepulveda Pass rehabilitation project.

This weekend and again in two weeks, the Sepulveda Pass portion of the 405 Freeway will be partially closed for paving work.

Both sides of the highway will be reduced to three lanes each from Santa Monica Boulevard to Sunset Boulevard, starting at 10 p.m. on September 5, through 5 a.m. on September 8.

The southbound on and off-ramps at Sunset Boulevard/Church Lane will be closed, as well as the on-ramp of westbound Wilshire Boulevard.

The same closures will happen again starting at 10 p.m. on September 19 through 5 a.m. on September 22, 2025.

For more information: visit Caltrans.gov or follow @CaltransDist7 on social media for updates and construction schedules.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is reminding California drivers that under California law drivers are expected to use both front and rear license plates on most vehicles. Drivers without a front plate may receive a fix-it ticket ($10) or a fine of up to $58. Even newer vehicles without a factory-installed bracket are still expected to display a front plate.

Front license plates help law enforcement and traffic cameras identify vehicles from both directions—a crucial tool when responding to emergencies, locating stolen vehicles, or investigating traffic violations and accidents. They help deter crimes like hit-and-runs or illegal parking, where visibility plays a key role in accountability.

For more details on license plate requirements, visit the California DMV:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK89k1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBLWDFoTnQwWjJrRGZEQ05RAR6NULB-dj-8ZwAdCbGXCYMQdSmNXEuybkw1jcbNpuNrblOuS6RVKb0R_oVU0Q_aem_bsg6cW0kX9pWuoaA5vBvxw.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, January 27, the city of Santa Monica posted on its website that the Police Department will be conducting a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Wednesday, January 29.

From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Operation will focus on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Starting January 1, 2025, parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet of a curb extension in West Hollywood will result in a citation under California’s new Daylighting Law (AB 413). The new law aims to improve pedestrian visibility and reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, especially for vulnerable groups like children.

According to a press release from the city of West Hollywood website, AB 413, also known as the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill or “Daylighting Law,” was signed into state law in October 2023 and went into effect on January 1, 2024, with a one-year grace period. The law aims to increase visibility for both pedestrians and oncoming vehicular traffic, with the goal of decreasing pedestrian injuries and deaths by adding more time for drivers and people walking to see one another better.

Due to their height, children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be invisible behind a parked car. The term “daylighting” refers to the practice of keeping a clear zone of a specified distance on the vehicle approach side of a crosswalk. Daylighting is considered a best practice and is a frequently used tool in cities across the nation.

Drivers in communities across the state of California, including West Hollywood, will be subject to citations for stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension (commonly referred to as a bulb-out), including T-intersections. All intersections on all approaches in California are considered to have a legal unmarked or marked crosswalk, unless marked with signage for no pedestrian crossings.

West Hollywood’s Department of Public Works is working to get the word out about AB 413 to residents, businesses, and community members with city information. The city’s Engineering division is in the process of evaluating intersections throughout West Hollywood to identify locations that warrant modifications to be consistent with the new law and some curbs will be painted red to provide clear indication for no parking zones. Drivers are advised that parking in a “daylighted” curb area in close proximity to a crosswalk or curb-crossings, whether painted red or not, is a violation subject to citation.

According to the Federal Highway Administration of the US Department of Transportation, approximately half of all traffic-related injuries occur near intersections. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25 percent above the national average.

For more details about West Hollywood’s engineering efforts to improve pedestrian safety, including AB 413, call John Gilmour, West Hollywood City Engineer, at (323) 848-6383 or at jgilmour@weho.org. For more information about parking enforcement, call Vince Guarino, West Hollywood Parking Services Manager, at (323) 848-6426 or at vguarino@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, December 6, the Beverly Hills Police Department disclosed that the Traffic Bureau will conduct a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, December 13, in the area of North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive. The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. All traffic will pass through the checkpoint, and uniformed officers will stop and contact motorists. Officers will check for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers and verify that all contacted drivers possess a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with the ability to drive safely. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license. A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides funding for impaired driving enforcement operations.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, August 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint, in the area of North Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Drive. The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 7 p.m. and conclude at approximately 2 a.m. All traffic will pass through the checkpoint.

Motorists will be stopped and contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will check to make sure all contacted drivers have a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said BH Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, August 21, the city of Santa Monica announced on its Facebook page that its preparing for children to head back to school.

The city of Santa Monica is here to assist with a smooth transition back to the classroom. Five ways the city of Santa Monica supports the community’s students in getting safely to and from school:

-Crossing guards at every SMMUSD campus
-Free rides for K-12 students with the GoPass on Big Blue Bus
-Ongoing pedestrian improvements at our local schools
-School safety tips from Santa Monica Police
-Encouraging carpooling, biking and walking

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced they will be conducting a bike and pedestrian safety enforcement operation during the week of July 21 on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Police Department identifies locations where pedestrian and bike collisions are common, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

These extra enforcement efforts will take place the week of July 21, 2024.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another,” said the SMPD.

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Avoid the door zone; do not ride too closely to parked cars.
• If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
  

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on May 23 that they issued a total of 53 citations during a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation on May 21. The BHPD noted that a variety of violations were made by drivers.

The operation took place at various locations throughout the city from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. A total of 59 motorists were stopped and contacted during the operation.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, with drivers holding the greatest responsibility to keep other road users safe,” said Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “We hope this operation serves as a reminder to everyone to practice due care and to look out for one another.”

The BHPD will be holding additional traffic safety operations later this year.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, May 7, the city of Santa Monica disclosed that the month of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

The Santa Monica Police Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. By practicing safe driving habits and taking shared responsibility on our roads, we can help everyone arrive at their destination safely.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,” Lieutenant Cody Green said. “A simple double take could mean the difference between a safe journey and a tragic crash. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe out there.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, around 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2022. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

During the month, the SMPD will conduct Motorcycle Safety details about education or enforcement programs.

To help protect family and motorcyclists, it is important to adhere to the following tips while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, December 15, in the area of North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive. The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 7 p.m. and conclude at approximately 2 a.m.

All traffic will pass through the checkpoint. Motorists will be stopped and contacted by uniformed officers, who will check for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will check to ensure all contacted drivers have a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and the goal is to take suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public impaired driving is not just from alcohol, but some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Traffic Bureau will conduct a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, September 8, in the area of North Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Drive. The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 7 p.m. and conclude at approximately 2 a.m. The BHPD indicated in a news release that all traffic will pass through the checkpoint.

Motorists will be stopped and contacted by uniformed officers, who will check for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will check to ensure all drivers have a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.

The purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license. Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Unit will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Lieutenant Cody Green. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The SMPD is committed to keeping the traveling public safe. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.

The SMPD is alerting the public that impaired driving is not only alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.