Slow The Fast Down In Newport Beach: Police Educate On Speeding

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — It's time to stop putting the pedal to the medal and slow down, Newport Beach Police say. The police department is taking part in a California statewide initiative encouraging drivers to “slow the fast down” and understand the dangers of speeding.

The Newport Beach police department supports efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety to address an emerging traffic safety issue: speeding.

Newport Beach Police Lt. Damon Psaros discussed the recent uptick in speeding, and changes in driving behavior.

“The number of people traveling at excessive and extremely dangerous speeds is alarming,” said, Newport Beach Police, Lieutenant, Damon Psaros. “COVID-19 puts the value of protecting lives in perspective, and practicing safe driving is one simple way everyone can keep themselves and others safe.”

Excessive speeding went way up during the beginning of stay-at-home orders in March.

In between March 19 and April 30, CHP officers issued 4,000 citations for speeding over 100 miles per hour, they say.

The number of tickets for speeding jumped a total of 113 percent, more than double the same time period in 2019, despite a steep decline in traffic volume.

Speeding remains one of the main causes of crashes: in federal fiscal year 2017-18, speed was a factor in approximately 31% of all fatal and injury crashes in California.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.