Reckless driving continues along Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway Photo credit Getty Images

Despite a violent crash that killed four Pepperdine students last month, Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring said that many drivers are still driving recklessly fast along Pacific Coast Highway.

"We've caught somebody doing 112 mph on PCH," said Uhring. "We got somebody else doing 109 mph on PCH."

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The examples of dangerous driving is not limited to high speeds but also distract drivers weaving through the coastline highway. On Thursday, three cars collided just feet away from where the Pepperdine students were killed. However, this time, no one was injured.

"Today, this individual bought food and apparently was eating food as he was driving down PCH," said Uhring. "Lost control of his car ... even on top of that, he's got a suspended license. Who are these people and why are we letting them out on the roads?"

The mayor said he's working with elected officials to craft solutions to improve safety along the city's 21-mile stretch of PCH. The city has already invested $39 million in safety improvements like traffic lights on crosswalks.

Caltrans has reported more than 4,000 collisions on PCH in the past 10 years, according to Malibu officials. Speeding and improper turns have been the most common factors leading to crashes.

Uhring said although turning this around won't be a quick fix, he's committed to seeing it through. He criticized reckless drivers, imploring them to "grow up."

"You are responsible for the impact you have on your neighbors, community," he said. "You got to think about that. It's not about you its about what you're doing and how it's going to impact other people."

The PCH Task Force, comprised of state officials from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Malibu, along with law enforcement, will meet next week for its quarterly meeting. The group focuses on issues regarding the coastal highway.

State Sen. Ben Allen, co-chair of the PCH Task Force, told KNX News their first action will be increasing law enforcement patrols on the road.

"We're working right now to get more sheriffs on the road, and more CHP officers," he said.

State and local officials are working on getting speed cameras on PCH and reducing the speed limit, but Allen says that could take some time.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images