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Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Family of teen killed in DUI crash near Balboa Fun Zone mark somber anniversary
Memorial Day weekend — a time for poignant reflection on loss, duty and sacrifice — is something Fillmore Smiley will never forget. That's when his 14-year-old daughter, Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, was struck and killed in a crosswalk by a drunk driver while visiting the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach with a group of teen friends on May 25, 2024. Rose, as her family calls her, had come to Orange County that Saturday afternoon from Smiley's house roughly 20 miles away from Big Bear Lake, a last-minute edit to an earlier plan that would have kept her in Lake Arrowhead Village, closer to home. She was walking with two girlfriends in a crosswalk at the crowded intersection of Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street, after a motorist waved for them to cross, when 30-year-old Fontana resident Joseph Alcaraz allegedly cut through a right-hand turn lane in an attempt to drive through the intersection. The teen was killed, while a friend's foot was run over by Alcazar's sedan. The driver's 8-year-old daughter was in the vehicle with him, along with an adult male friend in the passenger's seat. The driver had a blood alcohol level of .16 — twice the legal driving limit — and two prior DUI convictions. Smiley, who had stayed home that day, knew something was strange when Rose hadn't returned a message on Snapchat in her usual speedy fashion. Then a call came in from her cellphone, followed by an immediate hangup. A few seconds later, a friend of Rose's called with the news. 'She said, 'Rose is dead, I'm not even kidding.' Then an officer got on the phone,' he recalled in an interview Thursday. 'For just a moment, the world stood still. I remember thinking nothing would ever be the same again.' And if the 56-year-old father of two has his way, nothing will be the same again on the streets of Newport Beach. With support from his ex-wife Glori, Rose's mom, and his longtime partner Lori, Smiley has been lobbying city officials to implement safety measures to make conditions around Balboa Peninsula safer for pedestrians and protect against future drunk drivers. He's met with Newport Beach officials about placing elevated and blinking crosswalks at certain heavily trafficked intersections and possibly implementing portions of a 'Vision Zero' policy adopted in Sweden in the 1990s that cut traffic-related deaths in half. So far, his pleas are landing on deaf ears, he said, but that won't stop Smiley and his family. 'If I can't get Newport Beach to work with me and do the right thing, maybe I can do something at the state level and get some things implemented,' Smiley said. 'I'm going to keep at it — either there will be safer streets in Newport Beach or I'll be dead.' The same core group has also been pressing legislators in Orange and San Bernardino counties to introduce 'Rosenda's Law,' a bill that would impose tougher penalties for repeat DUI offenders and even passengers who knowingly get in a car with a drunk driver. A recovering addict with 21 years of sobriety, Smiley got a business degree from USC, went on to earn his master's in forensic psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology. Today he counsels others trying to overcome addiction. In that role, he's seen addicts rack up DUIs, then have them expunged over time, only to go out and reoffend years later. He's heard every excuse in the book and believes imposing jail time can force people to contemplate, and then actually begin the recovery process. 'Rosenda's Law' suggests treatment for initial offenders and mandatory drug court for a second DUI. A third conviction would incur a 16-month minimum sentence and a fourth offense would call for five to 10 years. Anything after that would come with a life sentence. 'What we need is research-supported intervention, and the research shows that forced treatment works,' Smiley reasoned. 'And drug court works — it not only saves lives, it saves money.' Under the proposal, passengers could also be charged with a misdemeanor reckless endangerment charge that would be erased after a series of educational classes, what Smiley calls a 'diversion approach' that would prohibit people from making the same mistake twice. So far, Smiley has reached out to legislators but few, besides Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), seem motivated to act. On Tuesday, Smiley traveled to Sacramento, where the state Assembly declared May 25, 2025 'Rosenda's Day,' via a resolution introduced by Lackey. In the past year, Rose's family members and friends, clad in pink T-shirts, bearing a rose and a picture of the teen with the words 'JusticeForRose,' have packed every courtroom hearing ahead of Alcazar's impending trial for murder, felony DUI and child endangerment. JusticeFor Rose is also a Facebook page that provides updates on advocacy efforts and memorializes the teen's clever wit, infectious laugh and compassion for others. Having raised the funds for memorial benches and plaques in Newport Beach and spots special to Rose and those she loved, Smiley has formed the group 'Rosenda's Gift' to help the families of other victims secure similar remembrances. 'There are all these families out there, and memorials are cathartic for people,' he said. 'My daughter lost maybe 70 years of life, so the thought of her name not being spoken and people forgetting her saddens me deeply.' During a one-year commemoration of Rose's death last Sunday, the teen's family and friends held a candlelight vigil near the spot where a shrine stood for 11 months before the city of Newport Beach removed it. There, Glori Smiley shared how her daughter's killer partied on the beach with family members who likely knew of his past run-ins with reckless, drunken driving, yet did nothing to stop him from getting into a car that fateful evening. 'If even one person in that group had taken the keys, called him a ride or spoken up we, would not be here mourning the loss of a beautiful life,' she said. 'I made her a promise that night that something good would come from this heartbreak. That promise lives on in our commitment to advocate for change in how we educate and treat DUI offenders. It's the only way to ensure no other family has to endure this unbearable, unimaginable and utterly preventable pain.' Eric Licas contributed to this report.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Police take photos of distracted drivers from top deck of bus
Thirty two distracted drivers were detected in two hours by police officers deployed on a Bee Network bus as part of a road safety scheme. Operation Top Deck sees specially trained Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers boarding a Bee Network bus and using cameras from an elevated position to detect dangerous driving behaviour on key roads during peak periods. Once offences are captured on camera, GMP's motorcycle unit pulls over drivers to "educate them on their behaviour," and traffic offence reports, and notices of intended prosecution, can be issued. Dangerous driving behaviour includes the so-called "fatal four" offences- drink and drug driving; distractions such as using a mobile phone behind the wheel, speeding and not wearing seat belts. During an "Operation Top Deck" deployment on May 13, a total of 32 offences were captured over a two-hour period, according to a spokesperson. Seventeen people were caught using their mobile phone while driving, there were "seven reports" of people not wearing seat belts, were "seven instances" of a vehicle crossing a solid white line and there was one report relating to a vehicle's number plate. Dame Sarah Storey, active travel commissioner for Greater Manchester, who attended the recent Operation Top Deck deployment, said: "I'd strongly urge that drivers think twice and ask themselves if making a call or answering a text message is really worth the risk. "Doing so shows no consideration for their own safety or the safety of their passengers or other road users - and drivers who use their mobile phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. "Seeing Operation Top Deck first-hand has given me a fascinating insight into how Greater Manchester Police enforce the roads while reinforcing their commitment to Vision Zero, our region's ambition to end all deaths and life-changing injuries caused by road traffic collisions by 2040. "I would encourage anyone who witnesses unsafe driving, and can safely and legally capture footage, to submit it to GMP through the Operation Snap online portal. "This will be dealt with by the police, which could lead to further action." Inspector Bradley Ormesher, from GMP's Roads Policing Unit, said: "We are committed to taking direct and positive action to make roads safer across Greater Manchester, and our latest bus-based operation is just one strand of the wider work we are doing. "Distractions can cost lives and cause serious injury, and we will never take offences lightly where someone is distracted and not fully in control of their vehicle. "If you are on your phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving without due care and attention, you are ultimately breaking the law, and we will take the most appropriate action required. "Our new operation targets roads at peak times, to allow for maximum impact in our work, and we have already identified dozens of offences when we have been out. "Driving offences can receive any punishment, from a huge fine, to losing your licence, to potentially spending time behind bars. "I would urge drivers to think twice before breaking the law." Operation Top Deck is inspired by National Highways' Operation Tramline, which sees police officers capture footage of dangerous driving from the cabs of heavy goods vehicles. Since the launch of Operation Tramline in 2015, 51,500 offences have been reported by 35 police forces across the UK, according to a spokesperson. Last year, more than 3,200 people in Greater Manchester were caught driving while using their phone or not wearing a seat belt properly over a five-week period, as part of a camera trial by Safer Roads Greater Manchester, according to a spokesperson. To report a dangerous or irresponsible driver, call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Europe Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Industry Report 2024-2025 & 2033 - Growing Deployment of Level 2+ and Level 4 Autonomous Systems Driving Growth
The market for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles in Europe is expanding rapidly as a result of the convergence of sophisticated AI, machine learning, and strong sensor suites, which allow for dependable Level 2+ through Level 4 autonomy in trucks, buses, and off-road equipment. As OEMs and fleet operators look to solve severe driver shortages, growing labour costs, and strict EU emissions and safety regulations, the market, which is currently valued in the tens of billions, is expected to grow at a high double-digit CAGR over the next ten years. European Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market Dublin, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market: Focus on Application, Propulsion, Vehicle Type, Level of Autonomy, Sensor Type, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2024 - 2033" report has been added to Europe heavy-duty autonomous vehicle market was estimated $44.64 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $555.43 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 32.33% during the forecast period 2024-2033. The impending Euro 7 emissions regulations and Vision Zero safety measures are important regulatory forces that are pressuring stakeholders to embrace autonomous systems that offer reduced fuel usage, less downtime, and improved operational safety. LiDAR-radar-vision sensor fusion, AI-powered predictive analytics, 5G-enabled V2X connectivity, and digital twin simulation are examples of rapidly developing technological enablers that support use cases ranging from remote-controlled mining and agriculture operations to coordinated platooning on localisation of autonomy software for various European road regulations and weather situations is being accelerated by strategic partnerships amongst Tier 1 suppliers, international OEMs, and specialised tech firms. In the meantime, standardised cybersecurity frameworks and teleoperation fallback capabilities are developing to address safety and liability issues. In the areas of logistics, public transportation, construction, and agriculture, Europe's heavy-duty vehicle landscape is expected to become greener, smarter, and significantly more efficient as electrification and hydrogen fuel technologies combine with autonomous. How can this report add value to an organization?This report adds value to an organization by providing in-depth insights into the Europe heavy-duty autonomous vehicle (HDAV) market, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic growth planning. It highlights key market trends, technological innovations, and competitive dynamics, helping businesses identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges. The report's detailed segmentation by application, propulsion type, vehicle type, level of autonomy, and region allows organizations to target specific markets and optimize their business strategies. Additionally, its coverage of regulatory frameworks, sustainability initiatives, and cybersecurity concerns ensures companies stay compliant with evolving autonomous vehicle policies and safety standards. By leveraging this report, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, make informed investment decisions in automation and AI-driven logistics, and gain a competitive edge in the rapidly transforming heavy-duty transportation sector, ensuring long-term growth and industry leadership. Europe Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicles Market Dynamics Trends Growing deployment of Level 2+ and Level 4 autonomous systems in heavy trucks and off-road machinery Convergence of autonomy with vehicle electrification and hydrogen fuel technologies Advanced sensor fusion (LiDAR, radar, vision) paired with AI-driven predictive analytics Emergence of digital-twin platforms for real-time simulation and fleet optimization Development of teleoperation and remote-driving fallback capabilities 5G-enabled V2X connectivity for coordinated platooning and traffic management Strategic collaborations between OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and technology startups Drivers Stringent EU emissions targets and safety mandates (e.g., Euro 7, Vision Zero) Acute driver shortages and rising labor costs across transport and logistics Pressure to cut operating expenses via fuel savings, downtime reduction and optimized utilization Corporate ESG commitments accelerating adoption of green autonomous fleets Maturation of AI, machine-learning algorithms and ruggedized sensor hardware Expansion of high-bandwidth connectivity infrastructure (5G, edge computing) Challenges High upfront capital expenditure and uncertain total-cost-of-ownership models Technology reliability and validation under diverse European geographies and weather Incomplete 5G/charging infrastructure interoperability across member states Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in connected and autonomous systems Regulatory fragmentation among EU countries delaying harmonized approvals Public acceptance and liability frameworks for on-road autonomous operations Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis AB Volvo BMW Group Renault Trucks Traton Group 2getthere B.V. ZF Friedrichshafen AG Schaeffler AG HOLON GmbH Daimler Truck AG Navya ARMA EasyMile Einride Oxa Autonomy Limited Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 116 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $44.64 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $555.43 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 32.3% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: Executive SummaryScope and Definition1 Markets1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment1.1.1 Growing Heavy-Duty Vehicle Driver Shortage1.1.2 Rising Role of Autonomous Vehicles in the Era of Logistics 4.01.2 Supply Chain Overview1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis1.2.2 Pricing Forecast1.3 Regulatory Landscape1.4 Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS)1.4.1 Overview1.4.2 ADAS Feature1.5 Ecosystem of Autonomous Driving1.6 Stakeholder Analysis1.6.1 Use Case1.6.2 End User and Buying Criteria1.7 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events1.8 Market Dynamics Overview1.8.1 Business Drivers1.8.1.1 Escalating Transportation Costs1.8.1.2 Advancing Technological Innovations1.8.2 Business Challenges1.8.2.1 Heightened Risk of Cyberattacks1.8.2.2 High Initial Development and Deployment Costs1.8.3 Business Opportunities1.8.3.1 Emerging Business Models Revolutionizing the Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market1.8.3.2 Delivering Higher Levels of Automation2 Regions2.1 Regional Summary2.2 Europe2.2.1 Regional Overview2.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth2.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market2.2.4 Application2.2.5 Product2.2.6 Europe (Country Level Analysis)2.2.6.1 Germany2.2.6.1.1 Application2.2.6.1.2 Product2.2.6.2 France2.2.6.2.1 Application2.2.6.2.2 Product2.2.6.3 U.K.2.2.6.3.1 Application2.2.6.3.2 Product2.2.6.4 Italy2.2.6.4.1 Application2.2.6.4.2 Product2.2.6.5 Rest-of-Europe2.2.6.5.1 Application2.2.6.5.2 Product3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles3.1 Next Frontiers3.2 Geographic Assessment3.3 Company Profiles3.3.1 Overview3.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio3.3.3 Top Competitors3.3.4 Target Customers3.3.5 Key Personnel3.3.6 Analyst View3.3.7 Market Share, 20234 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment European Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Bus and bike lanes planned for busy city roads
Plans have been revealed for new bus and bike lanes along a major route in Leeds. The A6110 outer ring road and A643 Elland Road, linking the south of the city to the centre, are used by more than 38,000 people every day, according to Leeds City Council. The council said its proposals aimed to tackle "long-standing issues", including traffic jams and a high rate of crashes. A public consultation on the plans has started and people have until 8 July to have their say. The proposed changes include upgraded pedestrian crossings and bus stops, a new bus lane and segregated two-way cycle lanes. Since 2019, a total of 26 collisions have been recorded along the route, resulting in 31 casualties - including one fatality. It is hoped the alterations will help reduce carbon emissions and make bus services more reliable - in addition to supporting a strategy known as Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. As the route forms part of a potential tram line to the White Rose shopping centre, the council said it would be working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to ensure the work complemented future plans. Two drop-in events will be held in the coming weeks to allow people to find out more about the plans: Thursday 19 June at Churwell Community Centre (15:00-18:00 BST) Thursday 26 June at Cottingley Community Centre (12:00-15:00 BST) Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader and executive member for transport, said the proposals were a "vital step" towards improving travel. "This initiative is part of our commitment to make our city more inclusive, healthy and sustainable," said Pryor. "We urge everyone that uses this route, whether you walk, cycle, drive or take the bus, to share your views and help shape the future of this area." Views on the plans can be submitted on the council website. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Leeds City Council
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New speed cameras coming to Knoxville school zones following City Council approval
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville City Council approved several agenda items Tuesday night by either a unanimous or 7-1 vote. Among the items passed were two items addressing speed and noise cameras in school zones. The City of Knoxville aims to eliminating traffic fatalities on city roads by 2040, that plan is called 'Vision Zero.' Two items on Tuesday's agenda, one to acquire the products and services needs, the other to authorize the use of these automated enforcement systems were passed. They are two key pieces that city officials hope will help them reach their goal. 2025-26 Knoxville budget approved 7 to 1 by city council 'It's incredibly important. This was an item that was identified in our Vision Zero action plan. In the action plan, it identified 30 different action items,' Vision Zero Coordinator Cody Gentry said. 'Included in that 30 action items was to expand our automated enforcement program and that's exactly what we have done.' Gentry said speeding is one of the main causes of fatal and injury crashes. The new speed cameras will hopefully help reduce speeding in school zones. 'In these school zones, that's where we have a lot of our vulnerable users, that's where we have kids walking to school, that's where we have a lot of pedestrian activity,' Gentry explained. 'We want, not only those students that are outside of the vehicles, but we want people driving through the school zones, we want the drivers and pedestrians, maybe parents, we want all of those users to be safe.' Councilwoman Gwen Mckenzie echoed Gentry's thoughts. 'Safety in schools and for our children is paramount,' McKenzie said. 'We see speeding is really a bad habit that a lot of people have, so anything we can do to cut down on potential accidents happening and keeping our students safe, we're all about it.' Second Harvest continues to feel federal cuts impact ahead of summer months The implantation of the school zone speed and noise camera will happen in stages. The noise cameras will be placed first and the hope is to have some of the speed cameras up in a few areas by this Fall. This will all be prioritized based on traffic and speed studies in those areas. One other item on the agenda that drew a long discussion was the Magnolia Avenue and Chilhowee Park redevelopment plan. The item passed 7-1, McKenzie said this redevelopment will bring life back to a once vibrant area. 'There's been a lot of disinvestment in that part of East Knoxville for quite some time now, over a decade,' McKenzie said. 'This particular resolution is critical to be able to make sure that happens and happens in a very uniform and structural way where the community has input as well.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
