Tag: driving

BEVERLY HILLS—April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) is reminding drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward, and keep their hands on the wheel. Distractions like checking a phone, using the in-dash touchscreen or car phone app, adjusting the radio, or eating can have devastating consequences.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department on Tuesday, March 17 will visit local bars and restaurants to educate customers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the region.

According to a news release from the city of Santa Monica’s website, the “Know Your Limit” program raises awareness about dangers of drinking and driving and shows how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle.

Officers will ask customers how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). Customers are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels. It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08 percent or higher.

According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08 percent. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40 percent alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5 percent alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12 percent alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01 percent for every 40 minutes between drinks.

The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home. It only takes a few drinks to impair.

The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.

Funding for the “Know Your Limit” 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 Friday, December 5, the Lt. Kevin Orth, BHPD Public Information Officer informed Canyon News via email that from December 12, 2025, thru January 1, 2026, the BHPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk. In December 2023, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”

BHPD is asking all to stay in for the night or plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using public transit, or calling a taxi or rideshare service if you intend to drink.

Impaired driving is not just alcohol related, but prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products, and other drugs may also cause impairment. Anyone planning to drink or take medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If anyone witnesses an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

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 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

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, October 3, the Santa Monica Police Department announced that it received a grant for $80,229 from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to decrease alcohol-related harm in their community.

“This is important to the Santa Monica Police Department in order to increase protection for youth and to address crime at problem locations,” said Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista.

The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.

The grants help local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.

“The Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “We’ve seen a real difference in the communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested.”

The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community. It has distributed around $3 million to local law enforcement to fight alcohol-related harm.

The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is an agency of the government of the state of California charged with the regulation of alcoholic beverages. ABC’s mission is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of California through licensing, education, and enforcement. ABC is a department of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, July 2, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced in a media release that they are alerting drivers to plan ahead if they are planning to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday by drinking.

The BHPD reported that in 2022, 487 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those fatal crashes, 40 percent involved alcohol. In California, 68 people were killed in crashes during the 2023 Independence Day holiday period. In addition, California Highway Patrol officers made nearly 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

“Choosing a sober driver is not just about following the law; it’s about saving lives,” said BH Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “If you plan on celebrating the Fourth of July with a drink, we want you to make a plan to go safely with a sober ride home. Think of your loved ones, friends, and family before getting behind the wheel.”

Driving under the influence includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana. The BHPD is alerting the public who may be hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If they see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home. Anyone who sees an impaired driver or witnesses someone driving recklessly should contact 9-1-1.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its website that Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, is partnering with California Highway Patrol (CHP), the City of Malibu, Malibu High School, PTSA Malibu, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), and the Malibu-Lost Hills Station to host “Safe on PCH.”

The weeklong program focuses on safe driving, and will engage students and families to keep roads in Malibu safe for the community.

Pacific Coast Highway impacts the lives of every person in the Malibu region. On Monday, April 29, the lunchtime fair will transpire at 12 p.m. with resources and information from the LASD, CHP, Supervisor Horvath’s Office, and Malibu.

On Tuesday, April 30 at 9 a.m. there will be a Sheriff Impact Presentation, where the Sheriff’s Department will host the IMPACT Teen Drivers’ parent program called Under Your Influence (UYI), which educates parents and teens with evidence-based strategies to help keep teens, their families, and everyone they share the road with safe. The special presentation is for parents and will happen from 9 to 10:30 am at Malibu High School’s Parent Center.

On Wednesday, May 1, there will be a screening of the film, “21 Miles Film” at 6:30 p.m. at Malibu High School. The movie is directed by Michel Shane. There will be a discussion after the movie with a panel moderated by Chair Horvath to inform and educate students and parents about the dangers on PCH and offer tips to make driving on PCH safer for teenagers. Panelists include Captain Jenn Seetoo, Captain Dennis Ford, Robert D. Cohen, Bridget Thompson, and Shane. It will take place in the Malibu auditorium with an expected attendance of over 200 people. This event requires a separate RSVP.

On Thursday, May 2, two school assemblies will transpire coordinated by Malibu High School and CHP. One targeting 6-8th graders (30 minutes) and one for 9th –12th graders (45 minutes). The assembly will include Impact Teen Drivers’ high school program called “What Do You Consider Lethal” (WDYCL) which engages, educates, and empowers students with evidence-based strategies that help them prevent car crashes, particularly those caused by reckless and distracted driving.

On the final day of the week-long event, on Friday, May 3, the Malibu High School will be holding student classroom breakout sessions focused on the causes and effects of distracted driving. There will be a classroom presentation followed by a group activity.

For more details visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-on-pch-week-tickets-859158926477?aff=oddtdtcreator. No RSVP is required for the general week, only select events.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced that for the month of April they will be looking for drivers violating the state’s hands-free cell phone law. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“In today’s fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach,” the SMPD stated in a press release.

According to the 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, over 74 percent of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, at least 140 people were killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in the state of California. Some numbers could be underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, this includes while stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app, using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

For drivers who have to respond to a phone call, text or email o has other distractions, is asked to pull over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting themselves or others at risk. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

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

By Trevor

MALIBU—TMZ reported that actor Gary Busey was alleged to be involved in a hit-and-run incident that transpired on Pacific Coast Highway last week. Video was obtained by the media outlet of a woman who indicated Busey rear-ended her vehicle in a shopping parking lot and fled the scene.

The woman followed Busey recording him as she attempted to get his attention to note he collided into her vehicle and fled the scene. Video depicts Busey pulling into a restaurant parking lot where the woman confronted Busey who refused to provide his information, but stated his insurance was Progressive, and he responded, “I’m private.” Before he drives off.

Busey has been acting since 1974 after his debut in the flick “Thunderbold and Lightfoot” directed by Michael Cimino. He was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Buddy Holly in the film “The Buddy Holly Story. Other films the actor has starred in include, “Silver Bullet,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Predator 2,” “The Firm,” and “Under Siege” to name a few.

He has made appearances on reality TV with bits on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Busey was injured in a motorcycle accident in December 1988 where he fractured his skull and suffered permanent brain damage after not wearing a helmet. In 1997, he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor form his sinus cavity.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu Station is currently investigating the hit-and-run incident. Busey has not commented on the incident since it was first reported.

By Trevor