SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is joining 10 other state
highway patrol agencies across the nation to participate in the “I-80 Challenge,” which sets a
goal of zero fatalities on the 2,900 miles of Interstate 80 from California to New York from July
24 through July 31 by enhancing traffic safety, enforcement and education along this section of
the National Highway System.
“We are excited to partner with our colleagues across the nation to improve safety along the
Interstate 80 corridor in California,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “California’s
highways are safer when everyone follows basic traffic safety rules: always wear a seat belt,
drive at a speed safe for roadway conditions, eliminate distractions while driving, and always
designate a sober driver.”
The “I-80 Challenge” was organized by the Iowa State Patrol after research identified an increase
in traffic fatalities along Interstate 80 during the summer vacationing period. Statistically,
someone dies in a collision every eight days on Interstate 80 in California. Of those fatalities, 22
percent are speed related, 4 percent are attributed to distracted driving, 27 percent are alcohol
related and 30 percent involved the failure to wear a seat belt.
The CHP and its law enforcement partners across the nation are joining with motorists to accept
the “I-80 Challenge” by promoting safe driving along the route. During the eight-day “I-80
Challenge,” the CHP will increase traffic safety operations to educate and, if necessary, cite
drivers who violate traffic laws along the stretch of Interstate 80 that begins in San Francisco and
travels through Berkeley, Vallejo, Davis, Sacramento and Truckee to the Nevada stateline.
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than
21,000 passenger vehicle occupants across the nation were killed in traffic crashes in 2011. Of
those fatalities, 52 percent were not wearing seat belts at the time of the collision. Approximately
9,900 people were killed in drunk driving crashes, with more than 3,330 killed in collisions
involving a distracted driver. Nearly 10,000 lives were lost in speeding-related collisions.
Analyzing Interstate 80 collision data from 2001 to 2011 across California reveals more than
77,842 collisions or an average of 21.32 crashes each day and 498 people killed during that
timeframe.
“A majority of collisions and roadway deaths are preventable if motorists follow basic traffic
safety rules,” added Commissioner Farrow. “The California Highway Patrol seeks the public’s
help and support during the I-80 Challenge to ensure that all motorists arrive at their destinations
