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

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.