CHP July 4 Maximum Enforcement: Drivers Urged To Slow Down

CALIFORNIA — Traffic has been much lighter on California roadways the past few months because of the coronavirus, which unfortunately, the California Highway Patrol says, has resulted in an increase in citations for excessive speed.

Over the recent Memorial Day holiday weekend, CHP handed out 458 speeding tickets to drivers going over 100 mph — an increase of 173 percent from the same period in 2019.

CHP is hoping that trend is not repeated this holiday weekend as Californians celebrate the Fourth of July.

But in case it does, CHP officers will be out in force during its Maximum Enforcement Period which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3, and continues through midnight, Sunday, July 5.

As California gradually reopens, many people are likely eager to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend with family and friends. To help reduce the risk and slow the spread of COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health is urging the public to avoid traveling long distances for vacations or pleasure as much as possible.

"Should the upcoming weekend include a road trip, stay safe and healthy with a few additional precautions," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "Obeying speed limits, buckling up, and not driving impaired or distracted will be more important than ever."

CHP is encouraging motorists to take their time this holiday weekend and arrive safely at their destination, pointing out that 36 people were killed in traffic crashes during the CHP's 2019 Independence Day maximum enforcement period — 11 of whom were not wearing seatbelts.

Additionally, CHP officers made 1,317 arrests for driving under the influence over the course of last year's Fourth of July holiday weekend.

"However you choose to celebrate the weekend, do it without putting yourself or others at risk," Commissioner Stanley said.