Stockton Residents – Information on the Hwy 12 Drive to Stay Alive II Program
You may have heard about the CHP’s “Drive to Stay Alive II” program that began last year, but what you may not be aware of is that the program’s funding runs through September 30, 2018. Therefore, you can expect to see enhanced enforcement patrols along Highway 12 at least through September. Funding for the safety program came from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the NHTSA.
The enhanced enforcement by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) along Highway 12 is being conducted jointly by the CHP offices for Stockton, Solano, and South Sacramento. The enhanced enforcement is aimed at reducing the number of crashes along Highway 12. The CHP program also includes an education campaign, increased public awareness, and a community-based task force.
Thousands of people die each year on our nation’s highways. While we might view enhanced enforcement in a negative light because we do not want to get a traffic ticket if we are speeding or disobeying other traffic laws, the officers of the CHP are trying to prevent highway accidents by reminding everyone we have a responsibility to obey traffic laws and practice safe driving behaviors to protect ourselves and others.
What Contributes to Highway Accidents?
Many factors can contribute to the cause of highway accidents. Several of the common causes of highway accidents include:
- Excessive Speed — According to the NHTSA, speeding-related accidents increased during 2016 by four percent. Because many highways are multi-lane and have long stretches without red lights or stop signs, drivers tend to ignore posted speed limits making speeding a common contributing factor in highway accidents.
- Impaired Driving — Drunk driving fatalities increased during 2016 by almost two percent. During that year, 10,497 people lost their lives in drunk driving accidents.
- Distracted Driving — Distracted driving is a problem on all roads, including highways. During 2016, distracted driving accidents claimed the lives of 3,450 people.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way — Failing to yield the right of way accidents include running red lights and stop signs and improper left-hand turns. These accidents can be deadly and cause severe injury, especially when the vehicles are traveling at high rates of speed.
- Drowsy Driving — Drowsy driving is also a problem on our nation’s roads and highways. In 2016, 803 people died in drowsy driving accidents throughout the country.
Regardless of the cause of the highway accident, a victim needs to seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible to discuss legal options for recovering damages. The damages in these car accident cases can be substantial, depending on the injuries sustained and other factors. Before discussing the claim with the insurance adjuster for the other party, it is in a victim’s best interest to consult with a Stockton car accident attorney.
Stockton Car Accident Attorneys Offer Free Consultations
If you have questions about a highway accident or other car accident, we offer free case reviews and consultations. Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000for your free appointment with a Stockton accident attorney. Learn about your legal rights and how we can help you recover money for your claim.
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