Rabbi Lawyer discusses deadly Malibu PCH Crash on KFI

This holiday weekend was a rough couple of days for PCH.

As you may have heard by now, there was a deadly Carbon Canyon crash on PCH in Malibu on Thursday night. Martin Okeke, 44, was killed, and two were injured in the head-on PCH collision in Malibu.

Further south, a motorcyclist was also killed in a crash on PCH in Huntington Beach.

Unfortunately, as we’ve discussed before, these fatal collisions aren’t out-of-the-ordinary for PCH in Malibu or Huntington Beach.

You might recall how 4 Pepperdine students were tragically killed in November when a driver on PCH lost control and slammed into several parked cars.

The Los Angeles Times reported last year how this particular stretch of PCH in Malibu is getting more dangerous. There have been more than 170 deaths or serious injuries on the 21-mile stretch of PCH since 2011. We discussed this issue here.

There are multiple reasons for the increased danger and increase in fatal PCH crashes in Malibu.

In my opinion, PCH in Malibu is one of the most iconic ocean-front roadways in the country, if not the world. During the day, there is lots of traffic on PCH. At night, it’s a different world. The distance between stop lights, mixed with the beautiful ocean breeze and wide-open roads encourages drivers to step on it.

Throw into the mix a holiday weekend, where people have enjoyed a delicious meal and maybe some alcohol, and we have a potentially dangerous situation.

As I discussed with KFI reporter Kris Adler, my office is seeing more cases related to speed and alcohol consumption. You can hear the clip of my interview at the top of this article. I’m grateful to Kris for inviting me to share my voice about the important topic of car crashes and driver safety on PCH in Malibu.

Another factor is that PCH is a state highway. CalTrans has jurisdiction over PCH, so local governments and agencies have to step aside and let CalTrans figure out solutions to improve driver and pedestrian safety on PCH in Malibu.

It’s a tragic situation, and no more drivers should have to die on PCH in Malibu for the public to see safety improvements.

Remember, if you’ve had something to drink, don’t get behind the wheel.

Wishing condolences to the families of those killed on PCH in Malibu and Huntington Beach this weekend.

If you or someone you know was injured in a PCH crash, whether in Malibu, Carbon Canyon, or down south in Huntington Beach, my offfice is available to discuss your case.

I’m ready to assist, 24/6.