CHP to Step Up Patrols on Local Roadways

Source: California Highway Patrol

On October 25, 2018, in a continual effort to promote traffic safety from traffic collisions attributed to impaired drivers, officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Buellton Area, will be on enhanced patrol on US-101, SR-246, and SR-1, within the CHP Buellton Area’s jurisdiction.

The patrol units will be coordinating with the CHP fixed-wing aircraft to assist in identifying any aggressive driving behaviors and any other primary collision factor type violations. T campaign will focus during commute hours in an effort to remove any impaired drivers to ultimately save lives. Buellton Area Public Information Officer, Rick Larson will be available to provide ride-a-longs to our media partners to promote our campaign.
“The lives and safety of those traveling on our highways are of our utmost concern. Our message is simple. Drive responsibly, slow down, be patient at all times, do not drive while intoxicated, and follow the rules of the road,” said CHP Lieutenant Kurt Kruse, Commander of the Buellton Area office.

According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were 77 people injured and killed in traffic collisions involving impaired drivers on CHP jurisdictional roadways within both the Buellton and Santa Barbara Area’s jurisdictions between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016. The CHP safety campaign SOAR also includes a community-based task force, public awareness and educational platform to help reinforce the dangers of driving while impaired

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, the CHP supports the new efforts from OTS which aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” To also note, prescription medications and/or marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.