CHP Press Release re:increased patrols on SR-26

The mission of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California.  This is accomplished in several ways, one of which is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage resulting from traffic collisions through enforcement, education, and engineering.  These efforts have paid great dividends statewide.  In the first quarter of 2011, fatal collisions decreased by 30 percent, injury collisions decreased by 23 percent, property damage only (PDO) collisions decreased by 7 percent, and unbelted fatalities decreased by 34 percent, compared to the first quarter average of 2005 through 2010. 

Within Calaveras County, fatal collisions have decreased by 46 percent, and the total number of traffic collisions have decreased by 11 percent when compared to 2010.  Despite these successes, there have still unfortunately been nine fatal traffic collisions in Calaveras County this year.  Nearly 50 percent of which have occurred on SR-26.  The causes of the fatalities have included speed, DUI, inattention, crossing over double yellow lines and occupant restraint violations.  Therefore, in an effort to combat the disproportionate number of fatal collisions occurring in a relatively small area, the San Andreas Office of the California Highway Patrol has increased its patrols and enforcement efforts on SR-26.  Additional officers have been assigned to the SR-26 corridor to focus specifically on enforcement of the California Vehicle Code.

Remember to wear your seatbelt, obey speed laws, allow a sufficient amount of time to travel to your destination, and DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!