Anti-Drug Banner on Freeway Is Deemed a Hazard

Burbank police confiscated an anti-drug banner from four men who displayed it on a Golden State Freeway overpass Monday, saying the banner distracted motorists and caused rush-hour traffic to back up for a mile and a half.

Police acted after receiving several calls from motorists who were distracted by the approximately 10-by-4 foot banner with red lettering, which was visible for about a mile from the Olive Avenue overpass, near the Verdugo Avenue exit, Lt. Joe Valento said.

Southbound traffic backed up as people paused to read the sign, which denounced the use of drugs, Valento said. He did not know the specific wording on the sign.

“This was hazardous to the people using the freeway; it could have led to something serious,” Valento said. “Anytime there’s anything on the road, people always have a tendency to look at it or read it. They slow down, and then somebody behind them doesn’t.”

Officers did not arrest the four men, who are from 33 to 40 years old, but may seek misdemeanor charges against them for disturbing the peace and creating a hazard to motorists, Valento said.