CHP launches summer traffic safety program to reduce collisions on Santa Barbara County highways

California Highway Patrol has implemented a joint regional effort to save lives on the road this summer as more people travel.

During a news conference on Friday, Buellton CHP and Santa Barbara CHP said they are conducing enforcement and education to reduce the number of traffic collisions. 

The program is known as “Safe on All Roads”. It’s funded by a grant awarded through the California Office of Traffic and safety. 

“Through Sept. 30 we will be conducting education and enforcement at target areas of State Route 154, State Route 1, Highway 246, and US 101,” said Buellton CHP Officer Kevin Kurker. 

Increased patrols will focus on primary collision factors knows as PCF. Those targeted factors include driving under the influence, improper turning and unsafe speed violations.

“Here in Santa Barbara County we really do have some of the most beautiful highways in the world and yet those highways as we all know can be very dangerous and in some cases deadly,”  Hartwig said. 

Santa Barbara County Fire responded to over 1,400 traffic collisions over the last two years, Hartwig said.  emergency officials hope to bring that number down significantly this summer.

They also are reminding everyone of the fire danger associated with highways. 

“Many of the vegetation fires that we have start in this county come along the highways so please make sure that your vehicle is in safe working order and that you are not dragging something that will cause a spark like a tow chain. ”  Hartwig said. 

CalTrans said it completed a project earlier this year to upgrade curve warning signs throughout Santa Barbara County. The signs let drivers know if they are approaching a curve and need to slow down.