Thanks to the statewide stay-at-home order, things are getting a little fast and furious out on California's highways.
According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, officers have seen an 87% increase in citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph.
"It is alarming to see the number of citations officers are writing for excessive speeds on California roadways," California Highway Patrol Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "Higher speeds can lead to much more serious injuries and significantly increase the chance of death should a crash occur. Keep yourself and those on the road around you safe. Slow down and drive at a safe, legal speed."
Between March 19 - when Gov. Gavin Newsom first issued the stay-at-home order - and April 19, CHP officers wrote a total of 2,493 tickets for speeding in excess of 100 mph. During the same month-long period in 2019, CHP officers only issued 1,335 tickets.
At least one motorist was arrested and charged with speeding, reckless driving and driving without a license last month, after CHP officers caught him going 165 mph in a Cheverolet Camaro on I-5 in San Juan Capistrano.
“Excessive speed and unsafe driving threaten everyone using our highway system,” said 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 CHP's Santa Fe Springs Instagram account posted several photos of vehicles that had crashed because of unsafe speeding.
After the stay-at-home order issued by Newsom last month, traffic volume on state roads has plummeted by 35 percent according to a report from Caltrans, the Office of Traffic Safety and the CHP. With fewer cars on the road, speed demons have felt more comfortable racing around the roadways in California.
“Fewer cars on the road doesn’t give drivers the green light to travel over the speed limit,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Driving at a safe speed when you must go out is one way to keep you and your family safe during this pandemic.”
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