[KHTS] – After two patrol cars were rear-ended in separate traffic collisions, California Highway Patrol officers are asking Santa Clarita Valley motorists to get their heads out of their cell phones and pay attention to the fact that emergency vehicles might be trying to use the same roadways.
A CHP officer on a motorcycle was conducting a traffic enforcement stop for speed involving a Ford Edge, Lutz said. The driver was yielding left into the center divider and the CHP motorcycle’s emergency lights were activated.
The driver of a Toyota Echo then rear-ended the CHP officer’s motorcycle, ejecting the officer onto the roadway, Lutz said. The officer was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital with moderate injuries.
The two left lanes of the I-5 freeway were blocked for about an hour.
A second crash occurred about two hours later on Highway 14.
“One of our vehicles was protecting traffic from a traffic hazard, a big rig stalled in lanes,” Lutz said. “The emergency vehicle lights were activated but the patrol car was rear-ended.”
The officer was not injured, Lutz said.
A Sigalert was issued and the right three lanes of the 14 Freeway are expected to be closed until 11 a.m.
In California, violation of the “Move Over/ Slow Down” law carries a fine of not more than $50, according to a news release.
As a result of the “Move Over, America” campaign, 45 states have implemented laws since 2001 requiring motorists to move over or slow down when flashing lights denote roadside activity, according to a news release. California implemented its first “Move Over, Slow Down’ law in 2007 when Senate Bill 1610 was introduced by Senator Joe Simitan, District 11, and Senator Roy Ashburn, District 18. Simitian is the lawmaker responsible for California’s 2008 “hands-free” cell phone law and the 2004 “Wipers On, Lights On” law, which requires that headlights be on simultaneously with windshield wipers.
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152 Comments
As everyone else is too……
Hope they are ok
I think SCV Sheriffs/CHP need to Crack down on distracted drivers in Awesome Town… NOT Awesome when peace officers get hurt!!!!!
A peace officer hit my aunt on her bike whilr she crossed the cross walk legally. Cops need to follow their own advice and pay attention also. Cops make the same mistakes.
http://blogging.la/2010/08/07/its-a-thin-line-between-awesome-and-awful-bad-ad-campaigns-part-ii/
Cops on phones should have the same penalty minimum 10years in prison for touching a cell phone while at work in a car or driving period.
Yep I see deputies on their cell phones while driving all the time
Officers are legally allowed to be on their cell phone as long as it is work related. Sometimes we are in an area where our computer and radios don’t work.
Officers need to follow the same rules they are trying to implement. They are not above the law. They need to abide & uphold the law not tell others to do it & they don’t. That is the problem with power. It gets to their heads & they think they can do anything. A person that knows right from wrong shouldn’t be trying to do wrong on purpose.
Not sure where the comment got twisted around to accuse law enforcement of breaking the law. There ARE too many Santa Clarita residents texting and driving or talking on their phones without the use of a hands-free device. The picture shows a CHP car being hit by a civilian car not vice versa.
Way too many people not paying attention on the roadway. As a motorcycle rider I see it all the time. Stop worrying about what the cops are doing. Your first and foremost priority should be paying attention to your own vehicle.
Sad…
Are Officers not required to wear seat belts?
In addition, they may be exempt, but I see chp on their cell phone all the time. A cop on a phone is just as distracted as the general public.
Lead by example.
They are Exempt from the CA vehicle code
I don’t think it’s necessary to be part of a vehicle code, I would think its common sense – they save lives. Without knowing the facts, I’m only assuming the officer may have not been wearing his seat belt….
Um the officer who was ejected was on his Motorcycle, which last I checked does not come with seat-belts. And Emergency personnel as well as a few other types of drivers or cell phone exempt.
I’ve done ride alongs and they normally don’t buckle up in case they have to quickly jump out of the car. I don’t believe they are fully exempt from the vehicle code however.
Why would one assume the officer in the Explorer wasn’t wearing a seat belt?
The only officer ejected was on a motorcycle, motorcycle as of 2015 do not have seat belts.
Great point Michael, I read ejected and assumed it was out of a vehicle.
Lol actually I thought the same thing Juan. I thought, I better not buy a Ford explorer.
Law Enforcement is exempt from a lot of Vehicles Codes that we a civilians are not allowed to do. Like Cell Phone use seat belts, parking in red, running red lights etc, but again that’s not there fault they did not write the vehicle code or the cell phone laws. The state allows them to be exempt.
The police explorer actually has a rear sway bar in the rear of the vehicle that can take an impact from another car at 50 mph crash tested.
Understood, Ceoaka DaBoss… I just don’t understand how a cop can be considered undistracted when utilizing the same cell phone as the general public.
Any officer of the law needs to stop breaking the rules also like talking on their phones being on their computer while driver I agree with Juan Vallejo ????
Oh I agree. After all they are human beings. Just like them using the computer in the vehicle while driving, they just recently killed someone riding a bicycle because the officer was doing something on the computer while driving
Oh but they are above the law! Remember?!
They can do whatever they want. Obviously!
It’s called … I’m a cop and you’re not!
I’m surprised the cop didn’t shoot him!
And I’m sure it would have been justified as self defense. ?
Whether they are supposed to wear seatbelts or not is irrelevant. Whose gonna enforce it, their cops buddies? ?
Right, Kristina Joy… I was just thinking for their own safety.
it says two patrol “cars” so its no wonder one would assume ejected from a car rather than motorcycle.
And here they come…
All the desk jockeys coming out from behind the “safety” of their cushy desks to judge and jury what they don’t know or understand!
Why don’t you try going for a ride along or educating yourselves about the reason/s they may be unbuckled or may HAVE to use a cell phone/computer while in the field before trying to justify your own misbehaviors!
Climb off the high horses and go put YOUR OWN LIVES IN DANGER for a day to see what really happens out there!!! Not just what you see on TV!!!
Its easy to judge what you’ve never truly experienced and know nothing about from behind the SAFETY of a computer!!!!
Smh!!! So many know it alls these days!!!
I have Deborah Conant, and I have a few friends in the industry, and can confidentaly say… all their cell phone use is not job related – try again.
“All their cell phone use is not job related” is a pretty broad statement for a man with “a few friends”
I have many friends in the industry as well and although maybe you have a FEW friends who use cell phones for only the wrong reasons does NOT mean they ALL do!!!
Again go put your life on the line for a day!!!! Get shot at! Miss your lunches and dinners, birthdays, family vacations and holidays!!! Put your life on the line for others who only disrespect you to your face or even online!!! Attacked by someone high on pcp!!! Etc!!!
Until then judgement from the complete and utter safety of your cushy desk is completely irrelevant because you have a friend or two!!! Smh!!!
Until you have worked in emergency services of any type or put your life on the line to save people you don’t know you should have zero place judging what you witnessed a time or two.
I can’t tell you how to do your job because I’ve read a book about it!
So Don’t pretend to know unless or until you actually live it!!!
If they were rear-ended, it does not sound like the officers were the drivers not paying attention for whatever the reason may be.
Officers are allowed to use their cell phones while driving when it is being used for “official business” this is how it was explained to me by two different deputies, one of whom almost took me out at a 4 way stop. I won’t judge and say they weren’t using it for official business because I wasn’t in their vehicles with them.
Okay Juan let me try again…
When is the last time you ran code 3, putting your life in danger, because you are the closest emergency unit to a call for a “baby not breathing” and you show up first on scene to find just that. A 3 month old baby not breathing, moms piercing screams in the background as you and the arriving personnel work on this child for 45min while begging god to let this baby breathe again.
Only to walk out of the house in shock after all your unsuccessful attempts, only to call your wife at home crying because you two have a 3month old at home and you just need to hear his/her coos to regain a small sense of sanity in your mind before you have to go right back to work??
Or when is the last time you had to drive to a residence and inform parents of the tragedy that just took their teenage son/daughter from them and their siblings because of a text or fb??
Or how about driving to the hospital, fingers crossed, that the woman who was just hit by a drunk driver will survive but arrive to find a husband and small kids crying over their mother’s body because the officer’s prayers and hopes weren’t answered…
Or maybe you ran the call where Mom, who’s drugged out of her gore calls 911 because while her and her husband were shooting up, husband took a little to much and died with the needle still in his arm. Now what do you do while the kids are screaming to get in the house to see their daddy while officers know that picture is not one a child would ever want to see of their parents.
Maybe the call where the husband has beat his wife for 6hours straight, while the children witnessed. One being brave enough to sneak away and dial 911 only to have dad barricade them all inside the house threatening to kill everyone in and around them if anyone gets close. All the while hearing the kids screaming for someone to save them and their mother!!
I’m willing to bet you haven’t experienced any of that!
I’m willing to bet the complete set of graphic details would give most PTSD, yet officers and emergency personnel live it daily!
Only to be judged and ridiculed by people who will never understand how overwhelming those helpless feelings are for them. Or that they may NEED to call family or friends to know that theirs is still alive and safe. Or to hear their voices for even 1 second of normalcy for the rest of their day! 1 second of reassurance that the world is not actually coming to an end around them today!!!!
How is that for “try again” Juan???
Is that enough for you?!?!
Or as I said before, are you willing to step up to the plate and try to walk a lifetime in their shoes???
Judge not for what you do not know!!!
(I could go on about the many work related necessities that require officers to use their cell phones on duty but I’m sure all those little details, ie investigations and such, would just be lacking the details you would need to understand the true depths of their job. So I won’t even bother trying to convince you. But common sense should tell anyone that there would have to be much communication with other officers, detectives, lawyers, witnesses, etc. to complete investigations, paperwork and lawsuits. Unfortunately officers can’t always be behind a desk waiting for phone calls. They have much bigger issues to deal with in the field.)
I dont have time to read your essay.
Im no expert by any means, but in my opinion (which won’t mean much to you [ DeborahConant) cell phone should be limited to “official business,” and should be enforced.
Seat belt? I couldn’t careless if they do or don’t have to wear one. To me, it makes sense to wear one since they save lives. The second it takes to disconnect one in case of an emergency is out weight by the benefit.
Anyways, it’s irrelevant to this situation since the person who was ejected was in the motorcycle.
they need to get there heads outta somewhere, that’s for sure
Well long story short. 2 people are in serious trouble with the state after ruining not 1 but 2 state vehicles.
So we’re they on a cell phone or not?
Not the officers.
We managed to do without being connected to our phones and driving for how long. Put the phones down people, it can wait!
Good luck with that. 80% of those on the road are texting or on the phone. Until stricter laws are passed, get used to more rear-enders. No one is immune to it.
Wish i could open up a body shop. They must be raking in the dough.
Mahmoud Kateb
I saw it! It was a really bad impact I saw the truck 1 mile away, I don’t get how on earth this van didn’t see the officer behind the big truck with emergency lights. Smh.
You can’t see what you not looking at
Wow!
I wish more people would be pulled over for using their cell phones while driving…especially when I see too many parents getting into their cars and talking on their phones as they drive away after dropping their kids off at school…very dangerous….
I see cops on their cells while driving daily.
I see so many on the road. I honk at them and even yell at them. It’s so scary.
Better them than us!
I agree
Texting and driving needs to be handled the exact same way as a DUI. They are just as bad or worse.
Eh 10,000$ fine, license being taken away for 6 months, and a blemish on your record when it comes to getting a job seems a bit steep.
Yeah, killing someone is steep too. Your point?
Amen, Eric!
Corbin Matthew Mostafania
Feel better Eric Bejar
I was at one like that. That I was nearly killed.
?
how did the officer get ejected if he was wearing his seat belt?
Seat belts help prevent, not totally eradicate a seat ejection. Anything can happen with the right amount of force from speed.
It was the officer on the motorcycle
Eric Holzmann crazy!
Oh no! Awesome town doesn’t have drivers that aren’t focusing on the road!!! That is not the standard for Awesome town! Shame!
http://blogging.la/2010/08/07/its-a-thin-line-between-awesome-and-awful-bad-ad-campaigns-part-ii/
Irma I honk at them to, but they are in their own world.
.. way too many people out here on NON “hands-free” phones.. doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see a line weaver and upon closer inspection see they be on their phone.. Thought there was a law for that.. ?
The law enforcement agency would like to see people get their heads out of their cell phones, so do I, but I’d also like to see these think they are above the law cops do the same, also I guess those little computers they stare at when they drive down the road, that’s not a distraction now is it? Cops need to lead a little more by example.
http://blogging.la/2010/08/07/its-a-thin-line-between-awesome-and-awful-bad-ad-campaigns-part-ii/
So the cop was in the process of extorting money from a motorist for going faster than he is allowed. The fastest drivers are statistically the safest drivers… Then he gets hit by someone texting on the phone, which is extremely unsafe for everyone, but not as profitable for the state.
Could it be KARMA???
What an idiot!
I read a study that said drivers don’t necessarily pay attention to speed limits more than they do what they think comfortable driving speed is, very interesting. By most people’s logic, a fast driver is just as dangerous as the idiot who cuts into your lane going 45mph when you’re going 70mph
YA!
I see more dumb ass cops on there phones while driving than dumb ass ppl.
they should also pull ALL the way off the road
There should be an app on all phone that keeps car from functioning when car is either on or moving…………..opinions??
Unless there is an emergency and you are using hands free to call for help or report a drink driver.
I agree with April. There would have to be an emergency setting (for instances while still driving such as someone being followed by an unknown person or being witness to something that is cause for worry but a safety concern prevents you from stopping). It’s a very interesting idea though!
Absolutely or how about all cars must have blue tooth and or a space on cars dash where that is where phone goes (only) while car is moving ……..these new invention ideas could save thousands of lives
Kinda funny that they are asking this when about 95% of the time they are on their own personal phones . Your work computers while driving hahah. I hope anyone hurt In this will make a quick recovery tho
I agree should be a felony 10 years minimum in prison to even hold your cell phone in your stupid hand thinking that’s hand free. Pull your head out of your a$$es people wish the law was stricter harsh is the key maybe 10 years will fix your stupid.
That’s fine but I see police officer on the cell phones all the time so practice what you preach just sayin
They are exempt from the law
YA! But it is ok when the Cop is on their cell phone! Ya… it is okay!
I am constantly seeing motorists just blatantly talking on their cell phones or looking at texts and texting while they drive. It’s as if there never was a law put into place about cell phones and driving, or they feel that that rule was meant for everyone BUT them. Cuz they can handle it. They won’t get into an accident! STOP!! JUST STOP!!!!!
That’s going to cost the insurance a pretty penny. Lol where are those stupid cheap insurance ads cause this won’t be covered!
Nicholas Grier
The fine needs to be much greater for not slowing down and pulling over to the next lane.
Nowhere in the article does it state that ANYONE was on a cell phone. That’s either really sloppy reporting or just plain propaganda.
Why aren’t MORE tickets being given out to these offenders. We see people on cells ALL the time – so I’m sure the police do to.
Heard that the same thing happened in Palmdale last night. This is crazy
Santa Clarita has the worst drivers! They don’t care. they drive too fast. They text and talk on cell phones.
I totally agree Susan. Drive too fast on phones.
You haven’t driven in Glendale CA apparently
I think the CHP. officers should get their heads out of there asses and start enforcing the law on cell phone use in the car. We see people on the phone every day on our way to the store or post office. Just saying.
Funny they ask us to not use cellphones…. I see more CHP using their phones in their patrol cars!! Practice what you preach!!!
They are exempt from the law
They are exempt but they even do it when they’re off duty and I call BS on that one. I can see work related stuff although it’s probably a booty call but still.
Go on a ride along and you will not only be more educated but will walk away with new perspective and understanding for our deputies.
Us on our phone doesn’t compare to them being on the computer. Just saying. Lol
Interesting thought, though I would say that most of our phones (at this point) are little computers. When people Facebook and Google while driving, they’re “using the computer aspects” of it, right?
Meaning the internet. But something 5 inches long and a few inches wide doesn’t compare to something that’s 22 inches.people can obviously raise there phone so they can see the road still. But at the same time a police officer has to stare down. The point is obviously its dangerous to be on electronics, so why is it that a police officer can constantly stare at their computer, and type, for a long period of time at a high rate of speed? It contradicts itself.
Also on top of that they are on their phone and nothing happens to them. Hmmm..
Truly, I don’t know if it’s just the visual concept that is problematic, it’s the focus. Now it would apply in both situations, but whether a person can “see” the road while looking at their phone or not, their focus would be on their phone (depending on the extent of their phone activity). In turn, it slows down their reaction time to obstacles, even though they saw them, causing more accidents.
Personally, I’d put them both on an equal playing field as far as distracted driving. We’re all human, so we all can be distracted by technology behind the wheel. The science behind it does not give exceptions based on occupation. It applies to human nature. That said, I know one is necessary, but then you beg the question, when does “necessary for the safety of the public” take precedent over public safety on roads? Does it qualify in that manner, or is that a “warped” view of the matter? Do we consider ourselves safer when officers have so much technology at their fingertips allowing for ease and speed of communication between other officers? Surely there are hundreds if not thousands of incidences where that changed or saved lives. Do we feel unsafe knowing that they could be distracted and hit us at any time? Is there any large statistical backing for “officer involved” accidents due to officer distracted driving to support the notion that their technology is a hazard? I don’t have enough factual information to form a true opinion, but there are plenty of questions to ask. Always question the world around you to gain knowledge.
This said, I support the many police officers who use the technology to further protect the town they serve.
Well said, but should we not hold the police accountable? Obviously they are the “law”, and were are suppose to follow “the law”. No I’m not saying we should do everything the police does, because they contradict themselves a lot. I also agree with having many questions, but not all of them WILL be answered. Especially by officers themselves.
Do I support them with using technology, yes. Do I think its right for them to use electronics while operating a motorized vehicle, no. Do I believe they can pull aside, off the road, to proceed to use electronics, yes. Either way them using electronic put our live in danger as much as us using them.
Awesome town is not a town that people have to move away from because of the high speeds down their own streets.
Crawled by this accident yesterday. It was horrendous the number of vehicles involved in it.
I don’t know how many people I see on their cell phones it’s getting out of hand. Please wait to check your texts or wait to answer the call. It’s not worth you losing your life or taking another’s. Don’t you want to get home to your loved ones because I know I do. I honk at people and they look at me as if I’m in the wrong. So please put your phone in your purse and if that doesn’t work put it in your trunk. Because you never know what can happen. At the end of the day we all want to make it home. Be safe out there.
I do the same …..I honk at them n they look at me like I’m crazy.
Right like they are doing nothing wrong.
If a requirement to have cell signal blocked unless car is in park or parking brake on was legislated, it would add a very small amount to the price of a new or used car.
I’ve thought about that before, but passengers would not be able to use their phones and responsible people using hands-free technology would be unfairly compromised!
Safe hands free phone use while driving is a myth. I’ve never considered that a passenger’s phone use is necessary to the exclusion of the safety of the vehicle they are riding in.
(d) This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.
(e) This section does not apply to a person when using a digital two-way radio that utilizes a wireless telephone that operates by depressing a push-to-talk feature and does not require immediate proximity to the ear of the user, and the person is driving one of the following vehicles:
(1) (A) A motor truck, as defined in Section 410, or a truck tractor, as defined in Section 655, that requires either a commercial class A or class B driver’s license to operate. (B) The exemption under subparagraph (A) does not apply to a person driving a pickup truck, as defined inSection 471.
(2) An implement of husbandry that is listed or described in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 36000) of Division 16.
(3) A farm vehicle that is exempt from registration and displays an identification plate as specified in Section 5014 and is listed in Section 36101.
(4) A commercial vehicle, as defined in Section 260, that is registered to a farmer and driven by the farmer or an employee of the farmer, and is used in conducting commercial agricultural operations, including, but not limited to, transporting agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to, or from, a farm.
(5) A tow truck, as defined in Section 615.
(f) This section does not apply to a person driving a schoolbus or transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125.
(g) This section does not apply to a person while driving a motor vehicle on private property.
Erik Newbury, if you’re going to post different sections on different codes please don’t leave anything out, for example the restrictions in which these emergency vehicles have when being driven for the task at which they were assigned/ and or called upon to respond to. Honestly I’m confused on where you actually stand in all of this, pro cop and agree with- or ACAD “all cops are dicks” and need to be held accountable for the laws they break as well?
Last 3 times on my way home. Emergency vehicles coming sirens blaring and I am the only one pulling over. No one even moves over. I’ve been shocked. This is on Newhall ranch rd.
Did they really say get their heads out of the cell phones or Asses?
Juanelo Flores this is the one from the 14
Larry Mason !?
Totally right on the money that’s all I see out here there still txting and still holding the phones they just don’t get it dummy!!!!!!
Ouch hope he and Eric are ok
Eric will be okay, I believe he was released today. One lucky man.
Toooo sad
Awesome drivers of awesometown.
Whats the problem? This is the career they chose, they wanted the action and random bs u get into every day! EXPECT THE WORSE
I see them on the phone the most while driving
They speed whit out the emergency lights and they change lanes whit out signal lights too they use cell phones driving but people can’t say nothing
Will Valdez
Crazy how minute where here and other we could’ve gone
Gente pendeja Que asta a veces se va maquyllando
Maybe the CHP should keep their ass off the phone too!
I can’t count how many times I’ve seen cops on their cells while driving. Set an example first, and at the same time, nail the others!
How about follow the law and pull to the right of the road when emergency vehicles pass in either direction. Can’t tell you how many times people just keep driving!! While on the phone.
God bless everyone involved. I hope everyone is ok.
Yea because I don’t see cops texting,and driving. Lol they have laptops for,radios are you kiddin??
Tell the highway patrol and the sheriffs to do the same because when I’m driving around or going to work in the morning there on her cell phones the same law that they’re trying to impose on drivers then they should exercise the same law
It amazes me when I see flashing red lights how many people feel everyone else should pull over but them! Horrible in SCV – probably worse I’ve ever seen! bTW – hope both people causing accidents were arrested!
I see chp on their phones a lot more often then i should.
I see them post up in very risky spots not saying it wasnt civilian fault but non the less be careful everyone including where cops post up.
Glad they are ok.
Except they are hypocrites big time out there so when they stop saying don’t do this and or that and then u turn around and they are doing what they just told u not too do like seriously come on wtf is wrong
Maybe the officers should focus on people on their phones instead of hiding and giving speeding tickets for people barely speeding. They are constantly in the Ranch and need to focus on the real issues here in the SCV!!!
Perhaps we need some of these officers to pay more attention to the drivers on the roadways using their phones and ticket them. I am amazed every time I see a driver on the phone with a cop sitting next to them at a light and nothing is done. It’s time law enforcement take a stand on the laws and enforce them. My thoughts and prayers to the injured. Buckle up and drop the phone or get a ticket should be their next slogan. jus say’n
I can’t remember seeing a cop talking on a cell phone while driving. But I’ve seen a lot of civilians do it, and it always worries me when a see a guy wheeling a big rig down the hiway while using one hand to hold his phone to his ear. Where cops could improve is using their turn signals, especially for lane changes. On the road, they are the ones who set the example of good and safe driving.
Yes, Sue. This article somehow got hijacked into a lot of people upset about cops on cell phones, and this despite the fact that there is nothing in the article about the cops being on cell phones! They should be more upset about all the yo-yo’s in Canyon Country who are committing crimes.
Wow people in California really can’t drive no wonder the whole state is 2nd worst drivers according to the National insurance safety board. So hope the officers will be fine and I really hate driving in California. When I fist moved back 35 minutes after coming into Cali I almost got into a head on. The person was not distracted just wanted to pass the 4 semis in front of them on the two lane Highway and would not slow down to fall behind them so I had to drive dirt and shoulder and he had the nerve to flip me off as he passed me in my lane of travel.