A suspected drunk driver crashed into a Main Street parklet in Santa Monica on Friday evening, prompting local neighborhood associations to consider measures to slow traffic and potentially close sections of the street to vehicles during peak dining hours.
These plans were already under discussion but have gained urgency following the recent incident, which resulted in injuries to four diners.
According to SMPD Public Information Officer Roberto Villegas, the incident occurred at 8:09 p.m. when Piper Pollard, allegedly driving under the influence, lost control of a black BMW and collided with the concrete barriers surrounding the outdoor dining area of Urth Caffe.
Pollard, a 21-year-old resident of Pacific Palisades, was arrested on felony DUI charges.
Three diners sustained minor injuries when a concrete barrier (k-rail) was dislodged, and one individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a suspected ankle fracture. Crucially, the concrete barriers effectively prevented the vehicle from directly impacting pedestrians.
“This wasn’t an outdoor dining accident; it was a drunk driving accident,” stated Hunter Hall, Executive Director of the Main Street Businesses Improvement Association (MSBIA), who spearheaded Main Street’s al-fresco dining initiative. “Preventing drunk drivers from causing harm 99 percent of the time is nearly impossible. Fortunately, this incident represents the 1 percent where we could – thanks to a 4,000-pound concrete barrier.”
Villegas confirmed that this is the first traffic-related incident at a Santa Monica parklet resulting in injuries. While the tables at Urth Caffe’s street-side parklet are temporarily removed, outdoor dining remains available in the cafe’s garden and deck areas.
Concerns regarding traffic patterns in the area predated this incident. The MSBIA and the Ocean Park Association (OPA) are actively collaborating on strategies to manage vehicle speeds on Main Street and adjacent parallel streets.
“During the pandemic, reduced traffic volume has led to a perception of safer, faster driving conditions,” noted OPA President Marc Morgenstern. “We’ve observed this trend not only on Main Street but also on Neilson Way and streets like 3rd and 4th Street.”
Santa Monica has witnessed a significant 50 percent increase in speeding citations during the pandemic, rising from 819 in 2019 to 1,234 in 2020, according to SMPD data provided by Officer Villegas.
Conversely, DUI arrests have decreased by 44 percent, likely attributed to the closure of nightlife venues. In 2019, SMPD made 197 DUI-related arrests, including four felonies, compared to 111 arrests with three felonies in 2020.
To address speeding concerns, OPA and MSBIA are exploring the installation of speed bumps and other traffic-calming measures, such as rubber speed cushions, on Main Street, Neilson Way, 3rd Street, and 4th Street.
“This initiative aligns with a broader movement to reduce reliance on vehicular traffic and promote a more bicycle-friendly environment,” Hall explained. “We anticipate actively advocating for these changes in collaboration with residents in the coming days.”
Furthermore, the two organizations are developing an “Al-Fresco 2.0” program that proposes temporary closures of sections of Main Street to vehicular traffic during peak dining hours. This would not only expand outdoor seating capacity but also increase the spacing between diners, enhancing safety and the dining experience.
“Current discussions with relevant city departments are focused on exploring the feasibility of selectively closing blocks for limited periods, perhaps on weekends,” Morgenstern stated. “This would allow people to more fully enjoy the retailers and restaurants, with increased space and reduced traffic concerns.”
Image: Outdoor dining area at Urth Caffe Santa Monica, highlighting the parklet setup before the incident.
Image: Close-up view of the damaged parklet at Urth Caffe Main Street Santa Monica after the drunk driving incident, showing the concrete barriers and affected dining space.
