SACRAMENTO,
Calif. –The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently received federal funding to
bolster the state’s redoubled efforts to help reduce reckless driving behaviors
statewide and crack down on the alarming rise of illegal sideshows, takeovers,
and street racing.
The $2 million Sideshow,
Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce (STREET II) grant aims
to decrease the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes caused by these illegal and dangerous high-speed
activities. The
grant builds on the CHP’s recent work, including $5.5 million in the 2022-23
state budget specifically targeted to curb street racing and sideshows, to continue
a public education campaign and specialized enforcement operations.
“Illegal street racing and sideshows are
not just reckless activities; they are potential tragedies in the making. These events put lives at risk, not only for
the participants but also for innocent bystanders,” said CHP Commissioner
Sean Duryee. “The STREET II grant will enhance
community outreach efforts and enforcement measures to protect the safety and
well-being of California’s communities and ensure our roadways remain safe for
everyone.”
In 2021, the CHP responded to more than
7,300 incidents of illegal sideshows statewide with nearly 123,000
participants. While the number of
incidents decreased by approximately 50 percent last year, there is still a
significant amount of work to be done to keep California’s communities, and
those who use our roads, safe.
The number of incidents resulting from
unsafe driving behaviors, including motorists exceeding 100 mph on state
highways, illegal street racing and sideshow activities, and speed-related
crashes are occurring at a staggering pace.
Between Jan. 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, enhanced speed enforcement
operations were carried out on state routes experiencing a surge in
speed-related problems. During this period,
the CHP issued more than 31,000 citations to motorists for exceeding 100
mph.
The CHP, in
collaboration with allied agencies, also established task forces targeting
street racing and sideshows, along with launching social media campaigns aimed
at raising awareness about the perils linked to high-speed, aggressive driving
behaviors and street racing.
The STREET II grant
supports a comparable yearlong campaign through Sept. 30, 2024. Funding for the STREET II program is provided
by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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