Invite those who play racing in their cars, or drive recklessly to report
California's empty highways, a result of the 'Stay at Home' order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, have made many drivers feel like professional race drivers and stomp on the gas; But the only thing they have achieved is to earn large fines for exceeding the allowed speed limits.
“Anyone who drives above 100 miles is considered a reckless driver under California law, and it's not just the fine they earn. They put themselves at risk of having their license suspended, their vehicle taken away, and their auto coverage increases by thousands of dollarsSaid Officer Christian Baldonado, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for the Los Angeles area.
"They are also putting their lives and that of other families at risk," he said.
Since the Stay at Home order went into effect on March 19 and through April 19, the California Highway Patrol has issued 2,493 fines for driving more than 100 miles per hour. In that same period of time, a year earlier, 1,335 occurred. This is an increase in fines of 87%.
"The number of speeding tickets on California freeways is alarming," said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.
"High speeds can lead to much more serious injuries, and increased chances of death when a crash occurs. Stay safe on the road. He drives within the legal speed limits ”, he warned.
The Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the CHP and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), urged drivers in the state to slow down because to the recent increase in fines for driving at 100 miles per hour as traffic volumes have decreased approximately 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Excessive speed and careless driving threaten everyone who uses the highway system," said Caltrans director Toks Omishakin.
"For many, seeing the least congested roads is an invitation to dangerous driving, but doing so threatens the safety of construction and maintenance crews working to have reliable access to our highways when people need it most," he added. .
The law Move over California continues to be in effect and requires all drivers to move from lane, or slow down when they see the flashing lights of Caltrans vehicles, patrols, ambulances, or tow trucks towing cars.
"Fewer cars on the road don't give drivers the green light to go over speed limits," said Barbara Rooney, director of OTS.
And he recommended, "Drive at a safe speed so that you and your family stay safe."
As a prevention, more than 700 signs will be placed on the highways with the following messages: “Sif you have to travel, do not exceed the speed limit ”; "Keep essential workers safe, don't exceed the speed limit."
Los Angeles CHP Officer Baldonado said that only drivers who have to leave home for an essential job should drive. So – he recommended – drive calmly, without exceeding the allowed speed limits. "Enjoy the decrease in traffic and the road, and keep in mind that not by driving at high speed, you will get home faster. There is no need to rush. Anyway, the trip will be done in less time precisely because there are very few cars on the roads. ”
He added that if they do not have the need to leave their homes, they will not take their vehicles on the freeways. "If you want to be distracted, go out and exercise around your house, on the street, not in your cars."
Asked reporting 911 to drivers who drive beyond limits, and to those who give up for playing races, exposing the lives of others.
During the COVID-19 emergency, Caltrans maintain all of its critical safety functions to address any hazards, including access to medical facilities and transportation of essential goods and services throughout the state.
No reports of dragging
Captain Al Labrada of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said they have no statistics of drivers being fined for exceeding speed limits on Los Angeles city streets, or of those who play races with their cars.
But he said there is no reason to drive above what is allowed. "If they run over or kill someone for not respecting the limits, they will be charged."
