Letter to the Editor:
I’m writing in regards to the tragic accident that took place on August 8.
I’ve listened to the speeches I watched the City Council and Chiefs briefing on the incident. I’ve heard the ideas to make Burbank safer all of which will take studying and legislative change.
I have a very quick way with laws that are already in place to start. Set up vehicle code compliance stops on various streets throughout the community. Start by citing vehicles without front license plates, dark tinted windows and modified exhaust. I’ve found that most of these types of cars are the same ones speeding and running stop signs in my neighborhood.
It would put the “rules don’t pertain to me” crowd on notice that the BPD and the community are not going to stand for this constant disregard of the motor vehicle code. This would be easy with one motor or patrol vehicle waving cars over to a parking patrol officer that would hand them a citation. Treat it like a parking ticket write the ticket to the car using just the license plate, don’ t ask for registration, drivers license or insurance just hand them a ticket.
The city can increase the fines to clear these tickets within the current municipal ordinances.
I speak from experience as a new driver I was constantly pulled over for loud exhaust, no front plate, wheels too wide until I came to the realization I’d better comply to the rules or spend more time in Altadena at the CHP station. Since then it’s been the tip I’ve always given to new drivers don’t give the police a reason to pull you over.
These violations are so commonplace throughout the community the word would spread fast.
Kevin Muldoon
Burbank
Well said Mr. Muldoon. I could not agree more. As a side note to the police, if a teenager is driving a $100,000.00 car – that might be a clue something is amiss.
One other thing, why is it the names of the persons who caused this tragedy are not published??? Why protect them? (I have an idea why…)
Editor’s Note: We know you and others are mad and frustrated but it does not matter who the involved parties are. As soon as Burbank Police file the charges and release the information to us we will publish it immediately. The system needs time to get it right the first time with the current climate of the DA. We have no intention of hiding anyone’s name that we are given.
Good letter to the editor Kevin. What do cars, airplanes, and wars have in common? Activity, noise and possible death. This is a Golden Opportunity for action by the City, Police dept, Churches, Schools, down to the family level on how to live a peaceful self controlled life even as a teenager or young man. I moved to Burbank 2 years ago next to Burbank HS and almost immediately went to Brb City Council Mtg to complain about car mufflers, quick speed/stops, 5 fwy racing, screeching tires, dark windshields, donuts, and the like between Olive and Empire center on Glen Oaks, 3rd, San Fernando. I ended by say, “Burbank is a drive thru city.” Things haven’t changed. City has to have a plan, energize, and enforce it.
Of course there are no doubt many businesses in Burbank who bend the law to satisfy the “needs” of the fast car crowd. They should be cited.
Hello Kevin, I know you to be a man very concerned about Burbank. Thank you. I agree with you. That said, the solution starts at home. Thoughtful parenting will support good outcomes. I had a horrible childhood and it bled into my adulthood for many years. I agree with Denzel Washington who has many times stated the #1 problem with young men is absent fathers. I would take that further so say absent or abusive fathers cause these problems. Demanding more enforcement is right however we also need to come together as fellow Burbankers and work towards a plan to help our youth grow into adulthood as responsible people. It really all starts at home.
Joel, I don’t side with you on the car thing. No one should pick on wealthy people. It’s not a good precedent. I had many clients in the past whose teenagers drove $100,000 vehicles. Not one of them was a reckless driver. I used to work for a billionaire and her son drove a $140,000 Mercedes SUV. He was her personal driver…who better to do it? She got to spend quality time with her son. She traveled the world every year and her son took her to meetings and the airport. That son is now married and has a beautiful family. While this does not describe you, those with less money often make judgments about the wealthy.
How is lack of a front plate (fine in many states, and fine for out-of-state visitor’s vehicles, and temporarily for new residents) a safety concern? Please show us the data backing your claim that “. . . most of these types of cars are the same ones speeding and running stop signs in my neighborhood.”
Overly tinted windows? If it reduces glare for the driver, is that a bad thing?
Modified exhaust? While I don’t agree that it is a safety concern, it is generally annoying and usually does break state and municipal code. Put that one squarely in the box marked “public nuisance.”
If the idea here is to profile vehicles, what other criteria do you think might be as vital?
Bart,
I am not opposed to Barry’s idea.
Front plates are required in California. See: Vehicle Code 5200, et seq. A front plate, if not stolen, is useful in identifying vehicles in hit-and-run and other situations where identifying the motorist is important.
There are limits to window tinting and other considerations that may impair visibility when driving (a safety issue). See: Vehicle Code 26708, et. seq.
I encourage Burbank PD to enforce these laws with vigor.
V/r,
CMS
100% agree with the letter here. I’d advocate going even further. There needs to be a zero tolerance policy for all vehicle infractions. BPD could sit on Hollywood Way – or Glen Oaks — or Buena Vista, take your pick — and ticket cars all day long and make a nice dent in their daily/monthly/yearly budget. The obnoxious driving is completely out of control. Unfortunately Burbank sits at a crossroads between many communities and non-residents speed through without thinking twice. But lets be honest, its residents too — rich, poor, etc. But if we tighten the noose, I suspect it will have an impact long-term.
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