California Highway Patrol urges drivers to slow down during holiday enforcement period
More than 115,000 collisions in California each year are attributed to speed, says CHP
– The California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they travel for Independence Day celebrations across the state.
The Holiday Enforcement Period begins at 6 p.m. July 2 and continues through 11:59 p.m. July 5. During that time, officers will increase enforcement with an emphasis on speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors.
During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day enforcement period, officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. At least seven of those collisions were fatal, and nearly 400 resulted in injuries. Officers also made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence, averaging one arrest every 3 1/2 minutes.
“Reckless driving and speeding continue to endanger lives on California’s roadways,” California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “As families and friends travel this holiday weekend, we urge everyone to slow down, be considerate of others and make responsible choices behind the wheel. Getting there safely is what matters most.”
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, more than 115,000 collisions in California each year are attributed to speed. The agency said speeding contributes to about 600 traffic-related deaths statewide each year.
During the holiday enforcement period, the California Highway Patrol will continue deploying 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles to identify dangerous driving behaviors on highways. The vehicles blend into traffic, allowing officers to identify reckless drivers before taking enforcement action. Since the vehicles were deployed last year, officers have issued more than 59,000 speed-related citations statewide.
In December, the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol launched the Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets pilot program to take action against drivers traveling more than 100 mph. The program automatically refers qualifying drivers to the California Department of Motor Vehicles for review, independent of court proceedings, to determine whether immediate action, including license suspension or revocation, is warranted.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Highway Patrol submitted more than 3,200 referrals through the program between January and May for drivers involved in speeding and other high-risk driving behavior. The department responded with more than 3,000 suspension and re-examination actions, and 94.3% of those actions were upheld after administrative reviews and hearings.
The California Highway Patrol encourages motorists to designate a sober driver before celebrations begin, use a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation if they have been drinking, and ensure guests have a safe way home. The agency also advises drivers to never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing substances, always wear a seat belt, intervene if someone is about to drive impaired by taking their keys and helping them get home safely, and report dangerous drivers by calling 9-1-1.
