By Lookout Staff

March 5, 2025 -- The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct traffic safety operations Friday to crack down on violations that contributed to a surge in serious crashes last year.

The operations, which are the third so far this year, will take place from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and focus on "the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk," police officials said.

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."

Friday's operations come as the number of crashes that resulted in severe injuries or deaths soared to 60 last year, up from 39 reported in 2023 ("Crashes Resulting in Severe Injuries, Deaths Soar," February 14, 2025).

Traffic operations are part of the City's efforts to achieve its "Vision Zero goal" adopted by the Council in February of 2016.

"We continuously monitor, evaluate and enhance our roadway safety strategies -- ranging from speed reductions and infrastructure improvements to targeted enforcement operations and ongoing education efforts," City officials said.

"Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and alongside our citywide efforts, we encourage every driver, cyclist, pedestrian and scooter rider to help keep our streets safe by choosing positive roadway habits."

Police officials remind bicyclists -- who were at fault in four of the nine serious crashes, two of them fatal -- that they must follow similar traffic laws as motorists, must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

They should also avoid riding too close to parked cars and use available bike lanes unless making a left turn, passing or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

All cyclists should always wear a helmet, while those under 18 years of age must wear them by law.

Police advise pedestrians -- who were involved in 21 serious crashes, three of them fatal -- to "be predictable," "use crosswalks, when available and "be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night."

They should not walk or run into the path of a vehicle, since a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop when traveling at 30 mph.

Pedestrians should make it easy for drivers to see them by wearing light colors, reflective material and carrying a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.