CHP's latest headache: Dealing with skateboarders who film their stunts on freeways
Weary commuters can't wait to get off Southern California's clogged freeways.
But for others, the forbidden lure of the highway is like a magnet.
Over the years, authorities have dealt with protesters, renegade bicyclists, horseback riders and even runners who climb onto various interstates to make a point or simply fulfill a dare.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
In recent weeks, it's been skateboarders. Videos have been posted on YouTube, Instagram and other social media services showing skateboarders roaming through traffic on freeways from downtown Los Angeles to San Diego. Some used the hashtag #freewaychallenge with their posts.
While authorities say freeway skateboarding is nothing new, these videos have gone viral and sparked concern by California Highway Patrol officials about copycats and the potential for accidents.
One video posted earlier this month showed professional skateboarder Nakel Smith jumping out of a car and doing a 360-degree flip on his board between slow-moving vehicles on the 110 Freeway near Dodger Stadium. Others have posted their skateboard escapades along the 118 and 8 freeways.
Smith could not be reached for comment. But on Instagram, he urged other skateboarders not to hit the freeways.
"This #FreewayChallenge stuff is stupid, and I seriously advise that no one tries it," Smith wrote, adding it was "very dangerous and only suppose to be a quick joke."
The CHP said it is investigating those videos and warned that arrests were possible if officers caught skateboarders in the act.
"These are not safe places and weren't designed for that kind of thing," said CHP Sgt. Jose Nunez. "We will take an enforcement action against anyone on the freeway on a skateboard, bicycle or other means that puts them and others in danger."
Nunez said the CHP is used to such behavior. "The difference now is we have people trying to advance themselves and promote themselves. Everyone has a camera these days," he said.
For veteran officers, the "freeway challenge" is simply another variation on traffic tricks they've been dealing with for decades.
"We once had a drunk on a horse we chased down the 5 Freeway from Griffith Park," said Dwight "Spike" Helmick, former CHP commissioner, who spent more than three decades patrolling and managing California's vast freeway network. "You simply cannot believe what people will get up to do. People do the strangest things."
NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >>
No comments:
Post a Comment