Multi-State Enforcement Effort on I-5
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is partnering with patrol agencies in Oregon and Washington to promote a traffic safety campaign that focuses on the issue of speeding on the major highway that spans the three states. The campaign is entitled “I-5 Alive,” and it kicks off on July 2. The goal is that all 1,381 miles of Interstate 5 become safer for summer travelers as a result of the combined enforcement and education effort.
The multi-state effort will include a social media campaign. Additionally, CHP officers, along with officers from the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP), will up their enforcement efforts and keep watchful eyes for moving violations that frequently lead to tragic accidents on the highway. Topping the list of such violations are distracted driving behaviors, traveling at excessive speeds, and driver impairment by alcohol or drugs. Officers will also be looking out for the proper use of seatbelts and child safety restraints.
The best way to ensure that you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination is to drive attentively and at a safe speed. Speeding or driving recklessly just makes the roads more dangerous for you and everyone traveling. The officers involved in the I-5 campaign are asking all travelers along the corridor to pay attention, slow down, buckle their seatbelts and drive sober. Summer travel represents family and fun – tragedy and sorrow should not enter the picture.
Speeding Across California
Highway Patrol officers throughout California noted a drastic increase in the number of citations they issued to drivers traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour during the pandemic. The numbers are startling: there were 1,331 such citations issued throughout the state during May 2019. In May 2020, they issued 3,480, representing a 161% increase. While the numbers of citations for 100+ mph have come down a bit, they are still far greater than pre-pandemic levels, with 2,201 citations issued in April 2021.
The Dangers of Speeding
The danger of excessive speed should not be underestimated. It continues to be one of the primary contributing factors to fatal car crashes and collisions that cause severe injuries. The most common citations issued by highway patrol officers are for speeding. The goal of issuing such citations is to serve as a deterrent in hopes that travelers will stay within the speed limit, thus saving lives.
Strategies Promoted in I-5 Alive
The combined patrol agencies have identified five simple behaviors that drivers can implement to make the highway safer for all:
- Drive at a safe speed
- Do not drive impaired
- Be patient while driving
- Limit distractions – first and foremost, do not use your phone while driving
- Wear your seatbelt/use child safety seats properly
The agencies from each state will determine their own best practices to provide an additional presence during the month of July. This is expected to include the use of existing grant funding and reallocating resources.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below shows a commuter traveling I-5 through Northern California into Oregon.
Willows Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for visiting our legal blog and our piece on the safety campaign “I-5 Alive”. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Willows personal injury lawyer. Negligent behavior such as speeding is responsible for a high number of auto accidents on our Northern California highways. If you or a member of your family has sustained injuries caused by the careless or reckless actions of another motorist, our injury lawyers can help. Call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. We can schedule a no-obligation consultation to go over the details of your potential case or simply offer free and friendly advice.
To learn about our firm, have a look at our settlements and verdicts page, and visit the links below to see client reviews:
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