The Hawthorne Police Department Reminds Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

Hawthorne, California – In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 16-22), the Hawthorne Police Department encourages teens and their parents to talk about the importance of following the rules of the road and driving responsibly.

Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 2,378 teenagers died in car crashes in 2020 – a 14% increase from the prior year. Per mile driven, teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to be involved in a crash as drivers in all other age groups.

“Parents play a critical role in teen driver safety and in communicating important driving safety information,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Michael Ishii said. “Teen drivers are still gaining experience behind the wheel and more likely to take risks and pick up bad habits. This is why it’s important for parents and caregivers to play an active role in talking to their teens about risky driving behaviors that can lead to deadly and tragic consequences.”

The Hawthorne Police Department offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

• Provisional Driver’s License : Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.

• Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show your teen how to drive safely.

• Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, being distracted by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up.

• Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving under the influence or riding with someone who has been drinking.

Super Bowl LVII is a Win-Win When You Plan Ahead: Score a Sober Ride Home

.Hawthorne, Calif. – The Hawthorne Police Department is reminding football fans that there’s no “DUI” in team. If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan on drinking, make sure you stick to the “Go Safely” game plan and choose a sober way to go.

During Super Bowl LVII weekend (Feb. 11 & Feb. 12) the Hawthorne Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“We want the football fans in our community to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads,” Chief Gary Tomatani said. “Before you grab a drink, make sure your game plan includes scheduling a ride-share or designating a sober driver. Choosing a safer way to go is something we can all root for.”

The Hawthorne Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect you.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

.Hawthorne, California – With a commitment to keeping the community safe, the Hawthorne Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From Dec. 14th, 2022 through New Year’s Day, the Hawthorne Police Department had additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The extra enforcement effort was part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.

The Hawthorne Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Chief Michael Ishii said. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Missing Person

On Friday, January 13, 2023 at approximately 8:20 PM, Hawthorne Police officers responded to a radio call of a Missing Person. The reporting party stated that her husband, Robert Gregory, left their Hawthorne, CA residence at 3:00 AM to go hiking. When Mr. Gregory failed to return home, his wife contacted the police.

On January 14, 2023 at approximately 4:00 PM, personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station were able to locate Mr. Gregory’s vehicle just north of the Crystal Lake Café, in front of the Deer Flats trail head (San Gabriel Mountains). Los Angeles County Sheriff’s personnel have conducted an extensive search for Mr. Gregory utilizing both ground and air units. Mr. Gregory has not been located as of January 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM. Search efforts will continue as resources and weather conditions permit, and updates will be provided when available.

Fatal Traffic Collision

On Sunday, January 8, 2023 at approximately 8:34 pm, Hawthorne Police Department Officers received a radio call of an injury traffic collision near the intersection of El Segundo Boulevard and Truro Avenue.

The investigation determined that a male juvenile, female juvenile and male adult were crossing El Segundo Boulevard when the male juvenile and male adult were struck by a vehicle traveling west on El Segundo Boulevard. Unfortunately, the male juvenile succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision. The male adult was later transported to a local hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the collision.

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

Airplane Crash

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 6:30 PM, Hawthorne police officers and LA County Fire Department personnel responded to the Hawthorne Airport (3600 block of 120th Street) on a report of a small airplane crash. Information is preliminary at this time, but it appears that the airplane, a small passenger jet, had just landed at the airport when control was lost.

The airplane did not stop at the end of the runway, but did come to a rest on airport grounds. As with all aircraft crashes, the investigation will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration. Any further inquiries into this incident can be directed to the FAA.

At the time of the incident, there were eight persons on the plane, including the pilot. Nobody was seriously injured as a result of the crash. Due to the current resting point of the airplane, all northbound lanes of Prairie Avenue, between Jack Northrop and 120th Street will remain closed until clearance is obtained from the FAA.

Hawthorne Police Department Arrests at City DUI Checkpoint December 16, 2022

Hawthorne, California – 5 drivers were arrested for DUI/DUID while conducting a DUI/CDL checkpoint on December 16, 2022. The checkpoint was held in the 12300 block of Hawthorne Boulevard from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

44 drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, 965 vehicles were contacted.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashed and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring derivers from driving impaired.

The Hawthorne Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe when they are traveling.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

assault

On Friday, December 9, 2022, at approximately 3:18 PM, Hawthorne police officers responded to a report of an armed subject on the railroad tracks near the intersection of Rosecrans Ave. and Aviation Blvd. Witnesses reported seeing the subject holding two handguns. The man was allegedly pointing the guns at passing motorists while standing on an elevated railroad crossing over the intersection.

As officers arrived on scene, the male ran northwest along the train tracks and hid. With the help of several neighboring agencies, the area was contained. Using a loudspeaker, several attempts to convince the subject to give up and surrender were made. Eventually, a K-9 was used to subdue the male who was taken into custody. The male was identified as a 57 year old transient. Despite reports from multiple individuals claiming that the man was armed, as of yet, no weapons have been located in the area.

The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and upon release, will be booked at the Hawthorne Police Department. At this time, the incident remains under investigation by Hawthorne police detectives. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Hawthorne Police Department.

Hawthorne Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on December 16, 2022

On December 16TH 2022, 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 Michael Ishii 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.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On Friday, November 25th, 2022 at approximately 10:40 PM, Hawthorne Police officers responded to a report of ten gunshots heard in the area near the intersection of Rosecrans Ave and Yukon Ave. Police located three gunshot victims upon arrival. These victims were later treated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and transported to local hospitals. All three victims are expected to survive.

This shooting appears to be related to a large gathering in the immediate area and may involve multiple suspects. The Hawthorne Police Department is requesting assistance from anyone whom has information that they feel would be helpful to this investigation.

Due to the nature of the investigation, we are unable to release any further information at this time.

Hawthorne Police Department Receives Funding for Motorcycle Safety Training Program

Hawthorne, California – The Hawthorne Police Department received grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to conduct motorcycle safety awareness with free, hands-on rider trainings. The $120,000 grant will pay for a series of free motorcycle safety classes that allows riders to practice braking, turning, steering, entering traffic and other skills that help avoid collisions and improve rider safety on the road.

This training is known as the “Ride to Live” program and emphasizes riding techniques to enhance motorcyclists’ skills in an on-going effort to prevent motorcycle related deaths and injuries. Hawthorne Police Department, in partnership with Torrance and Redondo Beach Police Departments, will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both education and hands-on training.

The Hawthorne Police Department’s Ride to Live program is being offered 10 times throughout the year with the first class being held on November 5th, 2022. To register for a free training class, visit www.ridetolive.com.

Activities that the grant will fund include:

• Proper manipulation of clutch and throttle in order to work the “friction zone”

• Emergency braking

• Proper use of head and eyes when turning a motorcycle

• Precision maneuvering

• Counter-steering

• Obstacle / collision avoidance

• Curve negotiation

“This program is intended to share motorcycle training and skills that motorcycle police officers are taught so that the general riding public can experience a safer riding environment and avert their own tragedies,” said Hawthorne Police Chief Michael Ishii.

The Hawthorne Police Department’s Ride to Live Program will run through September 2023.

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 Awarded $185,000 Grant to Deter Unsafe Behaviors, Increase Safety on Roads

The Hawthorne Police Department Awarded $185,000

Grant to Deter Unsafe Behaviors, Increase Safety on Roads

Hawthorne, California – The Hawthorne Police Department will increase patrols throughout the community and provide other traffic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

“This grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community,” Hawthorne Police Chief Michael Ishii said. “Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

• 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, 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 2023.

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: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for September 20, 2022

Hawthorne, California - the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 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 Michael Ishii 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 Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

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: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for September 19, 2022

Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation Monday, September 19, 2022, 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 Michael Ishii 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: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for September 16, 2022 and September 17, 2022

Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation Friday, September 16, 2022, 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 Michael Ishii 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 additional traffic safety operations on September 17, 2022.

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 Conducting Seat Belt Enforcement Operation September 14, 2022

Hawthorne, Calif. – On September 14th, the Hawthorne Police Department will be out looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belt. This also includes drivers who do not secure children in child safety seats.

“Buckling up is your best defense in the event of a crash, and only takes a few seconds,” Hawthorne Police Chief Michael Ishii said. “Same goes for car seats. Children should be as safe as possible when riding in the car, and one major way to do that is to make sure they are secured in the correct car seat.”

Under California law, children under two years old who weigh under 40 pounds or are under 40 inches tall must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or under 4’ 9” tall must be secured in a car or booster seat.

To find a car seat fitting station near you, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety website, or California Highway Patrol’s office finder.

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: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for August 31, 2022

Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation Wednesday August 31st 2022, 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 Michael Ishii 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

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 additional traffic safety operations on August 23rd 2022 and August 28th 2022.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

HPD Sergeant involved in a Traffic Accident - both drivers injured

On Friday, August 26, 2022, at about 2:45 AM, a Hawthorne police sergeant working a scheduled patrol shift was involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle at the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd. and 120th Street. When the collision occurred, the sergeant was not responding to a call for service, nor was he in pursuit of any vehicle/person.

Both the sergeant, who was driving a Ford Explorer SUV, and the driver of the other vehicle, a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, were injured in the collision. Both were transported by ambulance to a local hospital where they remain at this time. The sergeant is currently in stable condition as the extent and severity of his injuries continue to be assessed by medical staff. The driver of the Monte Carlo is currently in stable condition.

There were no other vehicles involved in the collision, no passengers in either involved vehicle, and no passersby injured as a result of this crash.

At the request of the Hawthorne Police Department, the Torrance Police Department is handling the collision investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates that the collision occurred as a result of the Monte Carlo entering the intersection at a high rate of speed, against a red light.

Any further inquiries as to the cause of the collision and status of the related investigation, can be directed to the Torrance Police Department Traffic Division Accident Investigator Craig Shiosaki, at 310-618-5557.

The driver of the Monte Carlo was identified as Gary Johnson Jr., a 58 year old resident of Bell, CA. Johnson does have an outstanding unrelated arrest warrant (Vernon Police) and parole violation charge. He will be taken into custody on these when cleared for release from the hospital. Additional charges related to the collision might be added once that investigation has been completed.

 


Hawthorne Police Department: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for August 27, 2022

Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation Saturday, August 27th 2022, 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 Michael Ishii 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 additional traffic safety operations on August 26th 2022 and August 28th 2022.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.