Compton Installs Rubber Medians to Block Street Takeovers

Compton, California, is fighting street takeovers—the reckless gatherings where drivers do donuts and burnouts at intersections—with a simple physical barrier: rubber medians.

Jack Gong from Compton Public Works Engineering told NBC Los Angeles that the city has placed raised rubber bumps at 22 intersections, with over 176 bumps installed total. Eight strips go at each intersection, positioned so normal turning traffic won't hit them.

Hit one during a stunt and you risk major damage or at least serious alignment trouble. Local residents report no more takeovers at treated intersections, and the LA County Sheriff says the city has seen a 45% drop in the events since installations began last year.

Compton plans to add medians at 23 more intersections to push the problem citywide.

• Compton
• Los Angeles
• rubber medians
• street takeovers
• traffic safety