CHP partners with Oregon, Washington to crack down on unsafe driving on Interstate 5

The California Highway Patrol is partnering with state police agencies in Oregon and Washington in an effort to crack down on speeding and other unsafe driving on Interstate 5.

The social media campaign, named “Alive I-5,” will run through July. The goal is to make the 1,381 miles of the freeway safer for summer travelers, officials said.

Exactly how the CHP, Oregon State Police and Washington State Patrol will boost enforcement was not outlined.

“Driving responsibly and at a reasonable speed is the best way to help ensure you and your passengers will arrive at your destination safely,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement. “We know people are eager to get out and travel, but reckless driving will not get you there sooner — it will just create dangerous conditions for you and everyone else on the road.”

The CHP said the number of citations its officers issued to drivers traveling at more than 100 mph increased drastically in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, from 1,331 citations in May 2019 to 3,480 in May of last year.

So far this year, the number of citations for speeding at more than 100 mph remain roughly at pre-pandemic levels, with 2,201 citations issued in April, officials said. The CHP did not provide figures for May or June.

Speeding is one of the most common factors in serious-injury and fatal crashes, Oregon State Police Supt. Terri Davie said.

“Speeding tickets are easily the most common ticket issued; however, it isn’t the goal of law,” Davie said in a statement. “The goal of speed enforcement is to potentially save your life and the lives of the others.”

Officials urged motorists to slow down, drive sober, be patient, put down cellphones and buckle up.

“Summer holidays should be a time of fun and family, not sorrow and tragedy,” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said in a statement. “We ask everyone driving the I-5 corridor to slow down, pay attention, drive sober and buckle up.”

Hernandez writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.