City of Malibu Applauds Senate Approval of Critical Roadway Safety Legislation
May 23, 2024 - The City of Malibu is proud to announce that two critical pieces of state legislation aimed at enhancing roadway safety have successfully advanced out of the Senate. These legislative measures include the implementation of speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu and stricter penalties for excessive speeding. This action represents significant steps forward in the collaborative effort to reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities on PCH in the City of Malibu. SB 1297 passed the Senate 36-3 on May 20 and will next be considered by the and SB 1509 passed the Senate 27-1 on May 22. Both bills will next move to the Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
The approved bills SB 1297 and SB 1509, were authored by Senator Ben Allen and Senator Henry Stern, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving public safety on California’s roadways. The City of Malibu extends its deepest gratitude to these Senators for their leadership and dedication.
“The safety of our community is our top priority, and we are immensely grateful to Senators Allen and Stern for their tireless efforts to advance these vital pieces of legislation,” said Steve Uhring, Mayor of Malibu. “Their support and vision are instrumental in helping us achieve a safer PCH for everyone.”
SB 1297 (Allen) would establish five speed safety systems along Malibu’s 21 miles of PCH, providing a critical tool for law enforcement to deter speeding and improve traffic safety. These cameras will automatically record vehicles exceeding the speed limit, issuing citations to offenders and thereby reducing the incidence of dangerous driving behaviors.
“Too many people have died on this stretch of roadway that is so vital for thousands of daily commuters and Malibu’s 15 million annual visitors,” said Senator Allen, whose 24th State Senate District includes Malibu. “Enforcement, alongside education and engineering improvements, will be critical in preventing future tragedies. SB 1297 gives our law enforcement officers an indispensable tool to slow down traffic and save lives.”
SB 1509 (Stern) introduces stricter penalties for excessive speeding by assigning two points against a driver’s license for convictions of driving 26 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This measure aims to discourage reckless driving and enhance accountability among motorists.
Senator Henry Stern, 27th District, expressed his commitment to road safety as the motivation behind the legislation: "SB 1509 represents a vital step forward in ensuring the safety of our roadways by holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions, so we can prevent unnecessary loss of life and make sure our roads are safer, not only in Malibu but throughout California.”
Malibu’s stretch of PCH is uniquely hazardous, with few sidewalks or separated bike lanes, limited parking, heavy visitor traffic, and homes and businesses just feet from passing traffic and few safe ways to cross. Those conditions have all been worsened by an epidemic of excessive speeding. As a result, over the past five years Malibu has had the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from vehicle crashes among similarly sized cities. On October 17, 2023, four Pepperdine University students standing on the side of the highway were tragically struck and killed by a speeding motorist going 104 MPH. Since 2010, 61 lives have been lost on PCH within Malibu city limits, with excessive speed serving as a contributing factor for each fatality.
The introduction of speed cameras on PCH is a critical component of Malibu’s comprehensive “all of the above” approach to roadway safety. This strategy encompasses a variety of measures, including increased law enforcement presence, public awareness campaigns, improved road signage, and enhanced infrastructure.
“PCH is a scenic state highway, but it is also Malibu’s Main Street, lined with hundreds of homes and businesses, so keeping it safe is a top priority for the community,” continued Mayor Steve Uhring. “We recognize that addressing safety on PCH requires a multifaceted approach. These speed cameras will serve as a powerful deterrent against speeding, helping to reduce accidents and save lives, but this is part of a broader strategy. This action sends a strong signal to the world that speeding will not be tolerated in Malibu.”
National Transportation Safety Board reviews have found that while excessive speed is a factor in a third of all traffic fatalities, speed camera programs around the world have succeeded in reducing vehicle speeds and reduced crashes by 54%.
According to the 2021 California Strategic Highway Safety Plan Crash Data Dashboard, traffic collisions in Los Angeles County resulting in serious injury to pedestrians were up by almost 28% in 2021; unsafe speed was the primary collision factor in 173 fatal crashes in the County, a 26% increase from the year before; and unsafe speed was the primary collision factor in 810 crashes resulting in serious injury, an increase of nearly 21% over the year prior.
The City of Malibu is committed to working closely with State and Local partners to help advance these crucial measures through the State legislative process. We look forward to the continued collaboration with our elected representatives, State agencies, community leaders, and residents to create a safer and more secure environment for all.
For more details on SB 1297, visit the Legislature website: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1297.
For more details on SB 1509, visit the Legislature website: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1509.
For more information about the City’s efforts to improve safety on PCH, visit www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSafety.