City Council Takes Action as Reckless Driving Prompts Emergency Extension
By Dolores Quintana
In a move to tackle the surge in reckless and dangerous driving along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the Malibu City Council, on January 8, voted to extend the local emergency declaration initially sanctioned on November 13, 2023. The emergency response was prompted by the escalating incidents of dangerous driving on PCH. The Council directed city staff to collaborate with other governmental agencies, intensifying efforts and implementing programs aimed at mitigating the risks and hazards associated with PCH within the City.
The extended emergency declaration empowers the City to promptly take necessary actions to safeguard public safety. Additional details and insights into this extension can be found in the staff report, accessible here: City Council Report. For a comprehensive overview of the City’s initiatives to enhance PCH safety, visit www.MalibuCity.org/PCHsafety.
The city is also holding a screening of the film “21 Miles in Malibu,” which details the human cost of accidents on PCH at the SMC-Malibu campus on January 18. The event is already at capacity, but you can sign up for a spot on the waiting list.
Additionally, according to a press release, the City has procured six LiDAR (light detection and ranging) speed guns. The city details what the speed guns can do to help the problem, “These cutting-edge devices will support the LA County Sheriff’s Department in enforcing traffic safety regulations on PCH and canyon roads within the City’s jurisdiction. Complementing this initiative, a digital video camera has also been acquired to gather evidence related to speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving violations.
LiDAR technology employs eye-safe lasers to perceive the environment in 3D, facilitating precise identification of vehicles even in heavy traffic. The acquisition of speed-measuring equipment significantly enhances the enforcement of traffic laws. According to the LASD, excessive speed consistently ranks among the leading factors contributing to injury and fatality in traffic collisions on PCH. Speeding remains the most frequently cited traffic violation on PCH.”
For an in-depth look into the City’s latest safety measures, refer to the staff report available here: City Council Report.
