Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to install screening on state freeway overpasses to prevent objects from being dropped or thrown upon vehicles passing underneath, as provided.
This bill would require the department to establish and administer a pilot program to install suicide deterrents on 10 freeway overpasses in the County of San Bernardino. The bill would require the suicide deterrents installed under the pilot program to include, but not be limited to, suicide prevention signage and a physical barrier designed to prevent a person from falling or intentionally jumping from the overpass in manner likely to cause death. The bill would require the department, in administering the pilot program, to prioritize the placement of suicide deterrents on freeway overpasses with the highest rates of documented suicides over the last 20 years.