BEVERLY HILLS-A traffic incident on Loma Vista Drive on May 2 has prompted an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.


The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when a cement truck traveling southbound on Loma Vista Drive collided with several parked cars before coming to a stop on the intersection of Loma Vista and Drury Lane, according to Sergeant Max Subin of the Beverly Hills Police Department. The driver of the truck, whose identity has not been revealed, was taken to a local hospital in serious condition.


Sgt. Subin told Canyon News via email that the police department was still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police department has stepped up its efforts to prevent other potentially dangerous collisions in the future.


“Our Traffic Bureau had been conducting increased and focused enforcement activities in Trousdale since the beginning of the year, and have further increased our presence in Trousdale since the tragic accident in March involving the LAPD officer,” said Sgt. Subin.


On March 7, LAPD Officer Nicolas Lee was killed in the same area when a runaway truck collided with his patrol car, which also injured a female officer accompanying him the police vehicle.


He further noted that the Beverly Hills Police Department is working closely with the City Council and other departments to create permanent solutions that will increase safety in the area. Police Chief David Snowden has made the issue a high priority one for the department by combining an increase in enforcement and education that aims to remind residents to slow down and be cautious when navigating through neighborhoods.


On May 6, City Manager Jeff Kolin detailed some of the efforts that have been taken to make the roads in the area safer. Along with the increase in traffic enforcement, commercial vehicle inspections will be held at inspection stations “at the top of Loma Vista Drive at Cherokee and at the bottom at Doheny Drive,” Mr. Kolin said at the meeting.


The California Highway Patrol will work with the Police Department to properly operate those stations. New signage will be installed at the top of Loma Vista Drive that makes truck drivers aware of a runaway truck ramp located at the bottom of the hill.