The Highway Patrol records more speeding accidents. And warns that this causes more dangerous accidents
Angelenos still driving to work during the coronavirus pandemic may have noticed that traffic lights have been adjusted in Los Angeles.
The change is part of an effort to slow down on relatively empty streets from the city amid orders to stay home.
The lights operate indefinitely in “night” mode, allowing them to operate independently to tend to vehicles as they arrive.
According to some reports, the average speeds of motorists in Los Angeles have increased by as much as 30% in the past month.
More families at home mean less traffic. However, open roads are no excuse to speed. Keep yourself and others safe. #SlowDown pic.twitter.com/cOP5q5i8hl
– nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) April 13, 2020
The number of calls to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has decreased compared to the number that occurred during normal traffic, prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
But now the agency is receiving calls and witnessing more incidents of rollovers, single-car collisions, and more ambulances responding due to the increased volume of drivers speeding on empty roads, which in turn brings more dangerous results.
California's empty roadways are NOT an invitation to speed, it's an indicator that many people are rightfully adhering to the Governor's stay-at-home order. Help keep our officers socially distant, obey the law and drive at a safe, legal speed. pic.twitter.com/NuhdG1DxQC
– CHP Headquarters (@CHP_HQ) March 30, 2020