CHP Urges RivCo Drivers To Drive Safe Over 4th Of July Weekend 2022

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — With the 4th of July on a Monday in 2022, the California Highway Patrol plans to increase the number of cars traveling down California's roadways.

In Banning, Beaumont and the surrounding unincorporated towns, CHP officers want to remind motorists that driving too fast is illegal and the leading cause of traffic fatalities.

"To help slow down motorists and increase safe travel, the CHP will deploy extra patrol officers over the holiday weekend as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period," Officer Mike Lassig said.

The Maximum Enforcement Period begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4.

In addition to speeding violations, officers will be on the lookout for distracted and aggressive drivers and motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Speeding not only endangers your life but the lives of everyone on the roadway," said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. "Fill the holiday weekend with celebration and fun activities, not reckless choices that lead to tragedy."

According to the CHP, driving sober, at safe speeds for the roadway and wearing a seatbelt is the key to helping save lives.

In 2021, a total of 43 people were killed in crashes on California's roadways. More than one-third of the vehicle occupants who died within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.

In addition, the CHP made 997 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs during the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort.

The 2021 stepped-up efforts to enforce speed limits during the Independence Day weekend, July 2-5, resulted in CHP officers issuing nearly 10,000 citations statewide.

"Speed is the number one factor in roadway crashes in California, causing one-third of the traffic-related deaths," Commissioner Ray said.

A report issued in May 2022 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that the number of people killed in speed-related crashes is rising nationwide. According to the NHTSA data, 11,780 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to speeding last year, a 5 percent increase over 2020.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.