Manhattan Beach, CA – The stretch of Sepulveda Boulevard (Pacific Coast Highway/PCH) between Artesia Boulevard and 9th Street has become one of the most dangerous roadways in the South Bay for pedestrians and drivers. Over the past six months, this corridor has seen multiple fatal crashes, including three pedestrian deaths and a suspected DUI collision, raising urgent concerns among residents and safety advocates.
⚠️ May 3, 2025 – Fatal Suspected DUI Crash on Sepulveda Blvd
At approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, a pedestrian was fatally struck in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Duncan Place. According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD):
-
Officers found the victim lying on the roadway next to the suspect’s vehicle.
-
The driver remained on scene and was suspected of being under the influence.
-
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
This incident is being investigated as a DUI-related fatality.
🟥 April 19, 2025 – Fatal Hit-and-Run on PCH at Ocean Avenue in Torrance
Just two weeks prior, on April 19, a separate fatal hit-and-run occurred on Pacific Coast Highway at Ocean Avenue in Torrance, resulting in the death of a pedestrian.
According to the Torrance Police Department:
-
Officers responded to reports of a person down in the roadway.
-
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
-
The suspect vehicle fled and has not yet been located.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities urge any witnesses to come forward.
This highlights a growing regional problem across South Bay cities, with dangerous driving behaviors contributing to pedestrian fatalities on major corridors like PCH.
💥 Other Major Pedestrian Fatalities on Sepulveda Blvd
December 16, 2024 – Pedestrian Killed Near 9th Street
A 72-year-old man, Michael Kawasaki, was struck and killed in the 900 block of Sepulveda Blvd. The driver stayed on scene and cooperated with police.
January 7, 2025 – Fatal Hit-and-Run Near Longfellow Drive
In a hit-and-run crash on the 300 block of Sepulveda Blvd, one person was killed and another critically injured. The suspect was later apprehended.
📉 Why Sepulveda Boulevard Is So Dangerous
1. Hilly Terrain with Limited Visibility
Sepulveda Blvd features steep hills, with intersections like 9th Street and Duncan Place located at hill crests or bases, which significantly limits driver line of sight. Drivers may not see pedestrians or vehicles until it’s too late.
2. Poor Lighting and Infrastructure
Lack of pedestrian lighting, unmarked crosswalks, and minimal safety buffers increases the risk of night-time accidents.
3. High Speeds and Traffic Volume
Though the posted limit is 40–45 mph, many drivers exceed this, especially at night. Coupled with limited visibility, this creates extremely hazardous conditions.
4. Multiple Business Entrances
The corridor is lined with businesses and driveways, causing sudden stops and turns that add to collision risk.
🚔 City Response: Plans to Improve PCH Safety
The City of Manhattan Beach is reviewing multiple safety upgrades, including:
-
Flashing pedestrian crosswalks
-
Improved street lighting
-
Speed feedback signs
-
Raised medians for pedestrian refuge
-
DUI checkpoints and increased patrols
📝 Summary: Recent Fatal Incidents (Nov 2024 – May 2025)
| Date | Location | Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | Sepulveda & Duncan Place (MB) | Suspected DUI | 1 pedestrian fatality |
| Apr 19, 2025 | PCH & Ocean Ave (Torrance) | Hit-and-run | 1 pedestrian fatality |
| Jan 7, 2025 | Sepulveda & Longfellow (MB) | Hit-and-run | 1 fatality, 1 critical injury |
| Dec 16, 2024 | Sepulveda & 9th Street (MB) | Pedestrian struck | 1 fatality |
🚶 Safety Tips for South Bay Drivers and Pedestrians
Pedestrians:
-
Cross only at signalized or marked crosswalks
-
Wear reflective gear at night
-
Avoid distractions like smartphones and headphones
Drivers:
-
Obey posted speed limits
-
Be vigilant in low-visibility zones
-
Never drive under the influence
-
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and driveways
Don't drive in the far right lane
Don't park on PCH
⚠️ Final Thoughts
With multiple pedestrian deaths across Manhattan Beach and Torrance in just a few months, Sepulveda Boulevard and PCH are proving increasingly deadly. Local governments, police departments, and residents must act now to enhance safety and hold reckless drivers accountable before more lives are lost.
