autoevolution
 

Californians Keep Highway Patrol Busy, CHP Citations Nearly Double

For nearly a month now, nearly a third of the global population has been under some type of lockdown as governments are trying to find their way through or around the current health crisis. For most, that means there are travel restrictions in place, be it local or international.
CHP issued 87 percent more citations compared to last April 1 photo
Photo: Times of San Diego
These lockdowns have significantly reduced the number of cars currently driving on the world’s roads, but it doesn’t mean cars have been completely taken out of the equation. There are still people going to work, or driving for work, or simply moving from place to place. And as a trend, a great number of them are speeding.

California is one of the states currently enforcing lockdowns, with the stay-at-home order taking effect on March 19. As everywhere else, that means there are much fewer cars on the roads, but those that are still on the move, are doing so at an accelerated rate.

Back in 2019, in the period of March 19 to April 19 the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued 1,335 citations for speeding at more than 100 mph in the state. Now, despite the 35 percent decrease in traffic, the number of citations has increased to 2,493, which represents an 87 percent increase.

“Excessive speed and unsafe driving threaten everyone using our highway system,” said in a statement Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Viewing less congested roads as an invitation to drive dangerously jeopardizes the safety of construction and maintenance crews who are working to maintain reliable access to our highways when people need it most.”

The announcement of this serious increase was made by the CHP and Caltrans, the state’s department of transportation. To help fight this trend, the two organizations will start displaying the following message on 700 electronic highway signs: “If You Must Travel, Do Not Speed”

For what it’s worth, California is not the only place where this trend was observed, several other states facing a similar increase in speeding.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories