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.

Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving - April 27

Hawthorne, California – on Thursday, April 27th, 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 - April 6

Hawthorne, California – on Thursday, April 6th, 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.

The Hawthorne Police Department will hold another distracted driving enforcement operations on April 14th, April 17th, and April 19th.

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 6, 2023

Hawthorne, California. – Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on May 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 additional motorcycle safety enforcement operations on May 9th, 11th, 20th, 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.

Check Twice for Motorcycles: May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Hawthorne, California – During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Hawthorne Police Department reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so being extra careful before changing lanes is always good practice,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Motorcycle riders are out in the elements and do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Please share the road with motorcycles and drive safe.”

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind 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.

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

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 3, 2023

Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation May 3rd, 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.

F O R P U B L I C R E L E A S E

Contact Sgt Kemp 310-349-2701

MAIN DESK 310.349.2700

Hawthorne PD will dedicate bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement to the memory of Michael Leon in the Month of May

Hawthorne, California – May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Hawthorne Police Department reminds drivers to follow the speed limit and look out for pedestrians and people on bike rides.

“The days are longer, and the weather is pleasant, making for ideal conditions to go on a walk or bike ride,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Drivers, please share the road so we may all get places safely.”

The Hawthorne Police Department suggests the following safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers:

Pedestrians

• Stay aware of cars and bicyclists while out walking in our neighborhoods.

• When necessary to cross a street, try to use a marked crosswalk whenever possible. When not possible or practical, cross at an intersection. Never “jay walk” or cross a road in the middle of a block.

• While bicyclists and drivers should yield to you as a pedestrian, take extra care before crossing a street; bicycles and cars might not be able to stop quickly. It’s always a good idea to know that a bicyclist or driver sees you, before you begin to cross a street.

Bicyclists

• Use lights at night (at minimum, a front white light and rear red reflector).

• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.

• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.

• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.

• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist. Maintain at minimum three feet of space when passing or overtaking a bicyclist.

• Never drive distracted or impaired

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

Fatal Hit & Run Traffic Collision/Arrest

On Thursday, April 27, 2023 at approximately 8:46 pm, Hawthorne Police

Department officers received a radio call of an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Cerise Avenue.

The investigation determined that a male bicyclist was struck by a vehicle traveling west on Rosecrans Avenue. Unfortunately, the male bicyclist succumbed to his injuries, being pronounced at the scene of the collision by Los Angeles County Fire personnel. The driver and the vehicle which collided with the bicyclist fled the scene.

After reviewing intersection cameras, investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a black newer model Nissan SUV. An anonymous caller later notified the Hawthorne Police Department that a newer model Nissan SUV was parked in a secure underground parking structure in the 14100 block of Cerise Avenue. The anonymous caller informed the police dispatcher that the vehicle had fresh collision damage. Investigators located the vehicle and confirmed that this was the vehicle involved in the hit/run collision. A 21-year old Hawthorne resident was identified and arrested for this crime.

If anyone was a witness to the collision or has information regarding the collision they are encouraged to please contact the Hawthorne Police Traffic Bureau at 310-349-2701.