Full Notification

Turlock, California. – The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is launching a new education campaign encouraging drivers to drive at a safe, legal speed.

Starting today through November 29, 2020, the “Slow the Fast Down” campaign will feature a series of safety messages on digital platforms, including social media, streaming and gaming services, and outdoor billboards. In addition, video public service announcements will run on broadcast and social media, as well as audio versions on radio.
The Office of Traffic Safety hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, which has been a top traffic safety issue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director Barbara Rooney said, “It’s clear that there have been immediate changes in driver behavior with more drivers speeding, some at excessive and extremely dangerous speeds. This trend is alarming. We should be focused on protecting lives and the simple action of following speed limits helps keep ourselves and others safe.”
Between September 1, 2020, and October 31, 2020, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers issued 4,851 citations for speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour, a 93% increase when compared to the same period last year.

In federal fiscal year 2017-18, speed was a factor in approximately 31% of all fatal and injury crashes in California.

According to a 2020 survey conducted by OTS and California State University Fresno, nearly half of respondents believed it is acceptable to speed as long as it is not more than 10 miles per hour, but 78% believed it to be unacceptable to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit.

Director Rooney said, “Speeding is a choice. We hope to shift social norms for speeding and encourage people to slow down on the road.”
To learn more about the campaign and ways to stay safe on the go, visit gosafelyca.org.

OTS administers traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and injuries on California roads. OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency.

Contact:
Tim Weisberg
OTS Marketing and Public Affairs [email protected]
(916) 509-3020

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Michael Parmley.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345
Email – [email protected]