Unsafe drivers are the target of today’s enhanced enforcement campaign by the California Highway Patrol along Highway 395 in Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties.
“The CHP is promoting awareness and safe driving along this major corridor route,” explains CHP Public Information Officer Bruce Thuelchassaigne.
“During the enhanced enforcement campaign, the CHP will target US-395 with increased traffic safety operations to educate and, if necessary, take appropriate enforcement action on drivers who violate traffic laws.”
Officially, the campaign is known as a ‘Major Corridor Enhanced Primary Collision Factor Enforcement Campaign’ and the effort aims to reduce the number of injury and fatal traffic crashes on US-395.
In 2018 and 2019, according to the CHP, a total 255 crashes occurred on US-395, in Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas counties, causing 143 injuries and killing a total of eight people.
The primary causes for most of the injury and fatal crashes were determined to be speeding, reckless driving, unsafe lane change, unsafe turning movement, following too close, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, with increased injuries and deaths from occupant restraint violations.
“The US-395 corridor within Northern Division is primarily an undivided, two-lane highway which has seen numerous collisions in the last few years due to unsafe speeds,” said Northern Division Chief Greg Baarts. “Increased visibility, aggressive enforcement, and public education within the Areas along this corridor will contribute to increased safety for motorists traveling on US-395.”
The CHP reminds motorists to follow these basic traffic safety rules: always wear a seat belt, drive at a speed safe for conditions, eliminate distractions while driving, and always designate a sober driver.
