Fatal Traffic Collision 03/09/24
2 arrested and 57 drivers cited at Hawthorne DUI Checkpoint
December 14, 2023
Hawthorne, California – On December 13th, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department conducted a successful DUI / CDL checkpoint. The Hawthorne Police Department deterred DUI / DUID drivers from the roadway and did not make any DUI / DUID arrest. Officers issued 11 citations to drivers with suspended / revoked driver’s licenses, 46 citations to unlicensed drivers, and arrested 2 persons who lead officers in a vehicle pursuit into Torrance, CA.
The DUI checkpoint was held at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Broadway Avenue from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am.
In this short time span, 998 vehicles were contacted. At approximately 11:37 pm, a driver failed to stop at the DUI / CDL checkpoint and lead officers in a high-speed vehicle pursuit on city streets and on the 405 southbound freeway. The driver and his occupant were, eventually, captured and arrested for CVC 2800(A).
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint December 13th, 2023
December 4, 2023
Hawthorne, California – On December 13th, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary 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,” Hawthorne Police Chief Tomatani said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The Hawthorne Police Department 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 this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Ride to Live Receives Grant for Motorcycle Safety Training Program
October 11, 2023
Ride to Live: The Hawthorne Police Department Receives Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Motorcycle Safety Training Program
Hawthorne, Calif. — The Hawthorne Police Department received grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to promote motorcycle safety awareness with free, hands-on rider trainings led by local law enforcement.
The $120,000.00 grant will pay for a series of free motorcycle safety classes that allow riders to practice braking, turning, steering, entering traffic and other skills that help avoid crashes and improve rider safety on the road.
“The Ride to Live program will allow us to make a real difference in our community by providing high-quality motorcycle safety education and training to riders,” Hawthorne Police Chief Gary Tomatani said. “We believe education is the key to preventing crashes and creating safer roads for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.”
The motorcycle training program will run through September 2024.
Classes will be available starting in November. To register for a free training class, visit RidetoLive.com
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Awarded Grant for Traffic Enforcement Program to Increase Safety on Roads
October 11, 2023
The Hawthorne Police Department Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Traffic Enforcement Program to Increase Safety on Roads
Hawthorne, Calif. – The Hawthorne Police Department was awarded a $185,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The grant will support our ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.
“This funding will strengthen our commitment to public safety in our community,” Hawthorne Police Chief Gary Tomatani said. “We will be able to increase our efforts in making our roads safer for everyone and focus on critical areas such as distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding.”
The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including: Click or tap here to enter text.
• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
The grant program will run through September 2024.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
New bail guidelines beginning October 1st, 2023
September is Pedestrian Safety Month
Safety is Sharing, Safety is Caring: September is Pedestrian Safety Month
Hawthorne, Calif. – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California and the Hawthorne Police Department encourages everyone on our roads to care for one another and keep pedestrians safe from crashes and injuries.
Based on data projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,508 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2022, the highest number since 1981. In California, pedestrian deaths account for more than 25% of all traffic deaths.
“There’s a lot happening on our roads, and everyone deserves to get to their destination safely,” Hawthorne Police, Chief Gary Tomatani “Drivers need to be aware of people who are walking. Please slow down and never drive impaired. We all have places to go, so let’s remember that safety is a shared responsibility.”
Hawthorne PD offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.
Drivers
• Do not speed, 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.
Pedestrians
• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors, reflective material and use a flashlight.
• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.
Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at gosafelyca.org.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Hosting DUI - CDL Checkpoint August 29, 2023
Hawthorne, California – On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary 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,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The Hawthorne Police Department 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 this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving - July 28, 2023
Hawthorne, California – on Friday, July 28th, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Hawthorne PD Chief Gary Tomatani said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving - July 23, 2023
Hawthorne, California – on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Hawthorne PD Chief Gary Tomatani said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving
Hawthorne, California – on Friday, July 21st, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Hawthorne PD Chief Gary Tomatani said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Holding Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on July 14 2023
Hawthorne, California. – Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on July14th looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders
The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
Motorcyclists
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Holding Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on June 6, 2023
Hawthorne, California. – Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on June 6th looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders
The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
Motorcyclists
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
The Hawthorne Police Department will hold an additional motorcycle safety enforcement operation on June 9th.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Holding Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on May 20, 2023
Hawthorne, California. – Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on May 31st looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders
The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
Motorcyclists
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Californians to Always Wear Their Seat Belt
The Hawthorne Police Department reminds everyone taking a trip to visit friends or family over the Memorial Day Weekend to always buckle up and keep children in child safety seats.
This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign is from May 22-June 4. During this time, the Hawthorne Police Department will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes vehicles where children are not secured in child safety seats.
“Wearing a seat belt should be an automatic for all drivers and passengers,” Hawthorne Police Department Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “It’s the safe thing to do, especially when it comes to securing children in child safety seats.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 12,000 people killed in crashes throughout the country in 2021 were not wearing seat belts. In California, 756 people killed in crashes in 2020 were not wearing seat belts, or nearly 20 percent of all traffic deaths statewide.
California law requires a child to be secured in a safety or booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for May 29, 2023
Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation May 29th, 2023 focused 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.
“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “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.”
The Hawthorne Police department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:
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.
The Hawthorne Police Department will hold an additional traffic safety operation on May 30th.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hawthorne Police Department Holding Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on May 20, 2023
Hawthorne, California. – Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on May 20th looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders
The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
Motorcyclists
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
The Hawthorne Police Department will hold additional motorcycle safety enforcement operations on May 27th, and 31st.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for May 23, 2023
Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation May 23rd, 2023 focused 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.
“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “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.”
The Hawthorne Police department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:
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.
The Hawthorne Police Department will hold an additional traffic safety operation on May 24th, 25th and 28th.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for May 7, 2023
Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation May 7th, 2023 focused 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.
“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “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.”
The Hawthorne Police department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:
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 was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.