The Burbank Armenian Association announced today that Senate Bill 1198 (SB 1198), known as The Safer Driving Act, has been officially introduced in the California State Senate, marking a major milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen traffic safety laws and prevent reckless driving.
SB 1198 was introduced by Senator Caroline Menjivar and Senator Bob Archuleta, with additional legislative support from coauthors in the California State Legislature. The legislation strengthens penalties for reckless driving offenders, particularly repeat violators, by expanding license suspension periods and authorizing vehicle impoundment to deter dangerous behavior on California roads.
The bill was directly inspired by the Burbank Community’s Drive Right, Save Lives Driver Safety Campaign, launched by the Burbank Armenian Association in response to tragic high speed crashes that claimed young lives and deeply impacted the community.
“This is a defining moment not just for our organization, but for communities across California,” said Romik Hacobian, President of the Burbank Armenian Association and Burbank Police Commissioner. “Drive Right, Save Lives was born out of loss, but built on hope. SB 1198 represents meaningful action to ensure fewer families experience the devastating consequences of reckless driving.”
The Drive Right, Save Lives campaign brought together more than 30 community partners, including law enforcement agencies, schools, elected officials, and local organizations, to promote awareness, education, and policy solutions aimed at preventing reckless and dangerous driving. Through workshops, public forums, and direct collaboration with policymakers, the campaign helped elevate reckless driving as a legislative priority.
If enacted, SB 1198 will:
• Increase license suspension periods for reckless driving convictions
• Establish stronger penalties for repeat offenders
• Authorize vehicle impoundment for repeat reckless driving violations
• Provide law enforcement with additional tools to prevent dangerous driving behavior
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Hacobian added. “This legislation reflects the voices of families, advocates, and community members who believe reckless driving should never be normalized or tolerated.”
Community members, organizations, and public officials who wish to support SB 1198 or submit a letter of support are encouraged to contact the Burbank Armenian Association at info@burbankarmenianassociation.org. Supporting letters play an important role in demonstrating broad public support as the bill moves through the legislative process.
SB 1198 will now move through the legislative process, including committee hearings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly, before consideration by the Governor.
The Burbank Armenian Association will continue working alongside legislators, law enforcement, and community partners to advocate for the bill’s passage.
