Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

CHP Contra Costa to deploy Motorcycle Safety Enforcement on I-80, elsewhere Aug. 20

By Leave a Comment

Photo: CHP Contra Costa

Entitled “Get Educated and Ride Safe” (GEARS) VIII – countywide through Sept. 30

141 crashes, 29 major injuries, 5 fatalities involving motorcycles in Contra Costa in 2025

By Officer Daniel Gilmore, PIO, CHP Contra Costa Area

CONTRA COSTA, Calif. – In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area will deploy additional officers August 20, 2026, on Interstate 80, and unincorporated roadways in Contra Costa County. Officers will look for violations by both motorcycle riders and drivers that make roads dangerous for other traffic, including unsafe speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning.

Motorcycle-involved crashes continue to be a major concern for the CHP Contra Costa Area. From January 2025 through December 2025, provisional statistical data revealed there were 141 crashes involving motorcycles within our jurisdiction. Of those crashes, 29 involved major injuries, and five resulted in fatalities.

Funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Titled “Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) VIII, the grant funding assists the CHP in reducing deadly and serious injury crashes involving motorcycles. The CHP Contra Costa Area will continue to deploy additional enforcement efforts through September 30, 2026.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Public Information Officer D. Gilmore, at (925) 586-1879.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

CHP recovers over $1 million in stolen goods during National Organized Retail Crime Blitz

By Leave a Comment

A suspect is arrested in the Bay Area after attempting to steal multiple items and Organized Retail Crime Blitz statistics. Photos & source: CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to make steady progress in dismantling organized retail crime networks throughout the state. Recently, the CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies for a National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, helping recover $1.05 million in stolen goods. Building on last year’s success, this event reaffirms the CHP’s commitment to holding retail theft suspects accountable.

From August 1 through 9, the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) saturated communities and led coordinated enforcement operations at several businesses, shopping centers and retail stores statewide. Officers proactively identified and apprehended offenders suspected of organized retail theft.

“The impacts of retail theft on businesses and communities are long-lasting. The CHP will continue to dedicate resources to catching perpetrators and holding accountable those who take from businesses and victimize communities.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

As a result of the CHP’s statewide efforts, officers arrested 97 suspects, including eight on felony charges, and recovered more than 8,500 stolen items valued at approximately $1.05 million.

“The proactive operations conducted during the blitz are a snapshot of the work the Organized Retail Crime Task Force is committed to doing every day,” added Commissioner Duryee. “We will continue to do our part year-round to identify problematic areas, reduce retail theft and make California a safer place to work, live and visit.”

Numerous stolen sneakers recovered during coordinated enforcement efforts in San Diego. A suspect is arrested by the CHP Border Division during the ORC Blitz.

Yearly Progress Snapshot

Looking at the broader picture, the blitz builds on years of steady enforcement. Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 4,700 investigations, resulting in more than 5,300 arrests and the recovery of more than 1.6 million stolen items valued at more than $76.6 million as of July 30.

In the first seven months of 2026, the CHP made nearly 350 retail theft arrests, investigated more than 280 incidents, and assisted partner agencies with more than 80 investigations, recovering an estimated $6.7 million in stolen goods.

Organized retail crime affects more than businesses. It can impact employees, consumers and the communities where these businesses operate. The CHP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to disrupt organized retail crime and protect California’s communities.

Officers arrest a retail theft suspect during a series of proactive blitz operations in Roseville, Lodi and Stockton.

Organized Retail Theft Program

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft. The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to use the tip link resource located on this page to report qualifying incident(s)

Beginning in 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 1065 required the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), until July 1, 2021, to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to convene a regional property crimes task force to identify geographic areas experiencing increased levels of property crimes and assist local law enforcement with resources, such as personnel and equipment.  The recent passage of Assembly Bill 331 will extend the operation of the regional property crimes task force until January 1, 2026.

As reported by the National Retail Federation, organized retail theft accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic loss per year.  This loss is carried by retailers on several levels but is ultimately passed on to consumers through price inflation to offset economic loss.  While the problem is most commonly associated with shoplifting, it extends well beyond into associated organized criminal activity.  Commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud, forgery, and fencing (selling or distribution of) stolen property are part of a bigger picture that finance ongoing criminal operations.

A trunk full of stolen items was recovered and multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock.

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft.  Three regional task forces, known as Organized Retail Crime Task Forces (ORCTF), were established by the CHP in five field Divisions with the greatest need for immediate action:  Golden Gate Division (encompassing the greater Bay Area), Southern Division (encompassing the greater Los Angeles region), Border Division (encompassing Orange and San Diego counties), Valley Division (encompassing the greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties), and Central Division (encompassing the San Joaquin Valley).

The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to report qualifying incident(s) which are covered under California Penal Code Section 490.4, Organized Retail Theft.

Click here to report organized retail theft

Click here for more information on the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

By Leave a Comment

Photo: NHTSA

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Every year, thousands of vehicles are stolen across California. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds in the United States in 2025.

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

  • Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too.

Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren’t. Some of the most popular items stolen from vehicles include air bags, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses. Parts like doors, engines and transmissions are stripped and sold.

While thefts declined last year, prevention starts with simple habits:

  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Lock your doors and roll up all windows.
  • Park in well-lit, visible areas.
  • Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
  • Use anti-theft tools
  • (steering wheel locks, alarms)
  • Always turn off your car and take your keys.

NEVER leave it running unattended.

A few seconds of prevention can save you the time, expense, and frustration of having your vehicle stolen.

Help protect your vehicle and don’t make it an easy target.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP urges drivers to ‘slow their roll’ during Independence Day weekend Holiday Enforcement Period July 2-5

By Leave a Comment

Speeding continues to endanger lives on California roadways, making it a priority for the California Highway Patrol in its efforts to make roads safer.

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Communications Office of Media Relations 

SACRAMENTO— The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they head out for Independence Day celebrations statewide. To address unsafe driving and keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from July 2 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 11:59 p.m., with an emphasis on combating speeding.

During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. Tragically, at least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes.

“Reckless driving and speeding continue to endanger lives on California’s roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As families and friends travel this holiday weekend, we urge everyone to slow down, be considerate of others and make responsible choices behind the wheel. Getting there safely is what matters most.”

Higher Speeds, Greater Consequences

Speeding is dangerous – it slows reaction time, increases stopping distance and crash severity, and can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, an average of more than 115,000 collisions in California each year are attributed to speed. The data also shows that speeding contributes to about 600 traffic-related deaths statewide each year.

During this Independence Day HEP, the CHP will continue using 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles to target dangerous driving behaviors on California’s highways. These vehicles blend into traffic, allowing officers to identify reckless drivers before taking enforcement action. Since their deployment last year, CHP officers operating these vehicles have issued over 59,000 speed-related citations statewide.

Pilot Program Targets Speeds

In December 2025, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the CHP launched a pilot program to swiftly take action against drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph, aiming to reduce potentially deadly crashes. The FAST (Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets) program automatically refers drivers to the DMV for review – independent of any court proceedings – to determine whether immediate action, such as license suspension or revocation, is warranted.

According to the DMV, the CHP submitted more than 3,200 FAST referrals between January and May 2026 for drivers engaging in speeding and high-risk driving behavior. The DMV responded with more than 3,000 suspension and re-examination actions, 94.3% of which were upheld after administrative review and hearings, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in identifying drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety.

Simple Steps to Help Save Lives

To help prevent crashes and save lives this Independence Day weekend, the CHP encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:

  • Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
  • Use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you have been drinking.
  • Host responsibly and ensure guests have a safe way home.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substances.
  • Always wear your seat belt; it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in a crash.
  • If someone is about to drive impaired, speak up, take the keys, and help them get home safely.
  • Help remove a dangerous driver from the road by dialing 9-1-1.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

June 29 – July 4 is Tire Safety Week

By Leave a Comment

Source: USTMA

Annual safety campaign launches “Full Circle,” a new platform demonstrating how safe tires keep American life moving

By Kim Kleine & Roland Buaben, USTMA

National Tire Safety Week (NTSW) is an annual initiative organized by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) to educate motorists about proper tire care, maintenance, and safety, emphasizing that tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road and are critical for safe driving.

The USTMA, representing manufacturers that produce tires in the United States, today launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, an annual weeklong public education campaign reminding drivers that tires play a critical role in vehicle safety and should be checked regularly as part of routine maintenance. Running June 29 through July 4, this year’s campaign carries the theme “Driving Safety, Full Circle” and kicks off a new USTMA storytelling platform, dedicated to the everyday value of tires to American life.

“Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tires,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “Proper tire maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tires is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.”

This week serves as a reminder that proper tire care and routine maintenance can help reduce the risk of crashes and keep everyone safe on the road.

Take a few minutes to inspect your tires before your next drive.

Source: USTMA

TIRE SAFETY WEEK CHECKLIST:

  1. CHECK TREAD DEPTH

Use the penny test. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low. Replace your tires.

  1. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

Check at least once a month when tires are cold. Proper inflation improves safety, handling, and fuel efficiency.

  1. INSPECT FOR DAMAGE

Look for cuts, bulges, cracks, blisters, or foreign objects. Damaged tires can fail without warning.

  1. CHECK FOR UNEVEN WEAR

Uneven wear could be a sign of alignment or suspension issues. Get it checked.

  1. BE WEATHER READY

Worn tires are more likely to hydroplane. Good tread helps you grip the road, especially in wet conditions.

Source: USTMA

Putting You in the Driver’s Seat

This year, USTMA is telling that story through Full Circle Moments, a series of short, safety-themed videos capturing the ordinary scenes in American life made possible by tires. The series opens with a newborn’s first ride home from the hospital, and highlights the crucial role of tires through five everyday moments:

  • A newborn’s first ride home: a smooth ride when it matters most. Watch 
  • A parent teaching a teenager to drive: reliability when it matters most. Watch

A family road trip: durability when it matters most. Watch

  • Driving through a downpour: traction when it matters most. Watch 
  • A sudden stop: stopping power when it matters most. Watch

The full series is available throughout the week on USTMA’s National Tire Safety Week landing page and across the Association’s social channels.

The campaign also gives drivers a simple way to act. USTMA and its members encourage motorists to remember their “P.A.R.T.” – Pressure, Alignment, Rotation, and Tread, and to check all four at least once a month and before long summer trips. A few minutes in the driveway can prevent problems on the highway.

Source: USTMA

The Bigger Story Behind Every Tire 

National Tire Safety Week also marks the public debut of Full Circle, a new storytelling platform that highlights the ways in which American life and commerce are unthinkable without tires. Organized around five pillars – safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy – Full Circle shares proof-based stories of an industry committed to dependable mobility and continuous progress, from tires that get families home safely every day to the work underway to give every tire a productive second life. Explore the platform at www.ustires.org/fullcircle.

“Tires are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted,” said Luke. “Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

National Tire Safety Week is an industry-led initiative supported by USTMA members: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.; Continental Tire the Americas, LLC; Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.; The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company; Hankook Tire America Corp.; Kumho Tire U.S.A., Inc.; Michelin North America, Inc.; Nokian Tyres, Inc.; Pirelli Tire LLC; Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc.; and Yokohama Tire Corporation.

Source: USTMA

About USTMA

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S. Our 11 member companies operate 55 tire-related manufacturing facilities in 16 states. U.S. tire manufacturing has an annual economic footprint of $259.5 billion and is responsible for more than 329,527 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, distribution and retailing. The industry supports more than 606,477 additional U.S. jobs in supplier and induced activities, totaling more than 936,004 jobs nationwide. USTMA advances a sustainable tire manufacturing industry through thought leadership and a commitment to science based public policy advocacy. Our member company tires make mobility possible. USTMA members are committed to continuous improvement of the performance of our products, worker and consumer safety and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.USTires.org and follow us on Twitter/X @USTires.

CHP – Golden Gate and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP Officers arrest wrong-way Pittsburg driver following sideshow near Hercules

By Leave a Comment

22-year-old stopped by head-on crash with patrol vehicle injuring two passengers

By CHP Contra Costa

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers stopped a wrong-way driver following an illegal sideshow late Thursday night, preventing what could have been a deadly crash.

On June 26, at approximately 11:35 p.m., CHP Contra Costa Area officers received reports of sideshow activity near Franklin Canyon Road and State Route 4 (Hwy 4) in unincorporated Contra Costa County near Hercules.

As officers responded, a silver Infiniti sedan involved in the sideshow fled the area and entered westbound SR-4 by driving the wrong way. A CHP patrol unit already on Hwy 4 immediately began a traffic break to slow traffic and protect motorists from the approaching vehicle.

Moments later, officers spotted the Infiniti, with its lights turned off, driving the wrong way on the westbound shoulder of Hwy 4 east of McEwen Road.

Without hesitation, the officers positioned their patrol vehicle in the path of the wrong-way driver to shield the public from the oncoming vehicle. The Infiniti continued toward the patrol vehicle and crashed head-on into it. After the crash, the driver ran from the vehicle, but officers quickly detained him. Two adult female passengers were also detained.

The two passengers suffered suspected minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital, where they are expected to recover. One CHP officer was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and later released. After receiving medical clearance, the driver was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The driver, Seth Antonio Edwards, 22, of Pittsburg, faces charges including driving the wrong way on a freeway while fleeing, resisting arrest, participating in a speed contest and driving without a valid driver’license.

The officers’ quick and courageous actions prevented what could have been a far more serious tragedy.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Edwards is Black and bonded out of custody on Saturday, June 27th at 3:06 PM.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

East County Vehicle Theft Suppression operation results in six arrests, four illegal firearms seized, more

By Leave a Comment

12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

  • 6 felony arrests
  • Recovery of 4 illegal firearms
  • 22 citations issued
  • Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges
  • Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant
  • Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles
  • 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.

One of two Lafayette shoplifters arrested following pursuit, crash

By Leave a Comment

Suspects drive wrong way; assistance from multiple agencies includes two helicopters, Sheriff’s K-9

43-year-old from Oakland has history of arrests

By Lafayette Police Department

On Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026, at about 2:13, Lafayette police officers responded to a business on the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. for a report of two shoplifters who stole items and then fled in a silver-colored Honda.

On Pleasant Hill Road, the suspect vehicle drove past a Lafayette Police officer who attempted to stop the car. The Honda fled leading the officer on a pursuit which the officer terminated and pulled over when the suspect vehicle drove north in the southbound lanes.

The officer later came upon a collision involving the Honda and another vehicle a short distance away. The suspects fled on foot.

Officers from the Orinda Police Department and deputy sheriffs from Valley Station responded to set up a perimeter and help search for the suspects. Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and East Bay Regional Park District Police also provided assistance.

Pleasant Hill Road was closed at Springhill Road and Green Valley Drive.

A Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office police K-9 located one suspect who was taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Another suspect remains outstanding. The two occupants in the car that was struck by the suspect vehicle were taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

According to a report on X (Twitter) by Henry K. Lee of KTVU FOX 2, the business is the BevMo and William Ware, age 43, was arrested.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 210-pound William Pierr Ware, born 9/26/1982 is Black and being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he lives in Oakland and has a history of arrests dating back to 2021 by multiple agencies for crimes including grand theft, organized retail theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, evading with wanton disregard for safety and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 284-5010. Tips can be emailed to: 94549tip@gmail.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Man injured in Richmond road rage freeway shooting

By Leave a Comment

By CHP Golden Gate

RICHMOND, Calif. — A victim was injured in a freeway shooting late Monday evening in Richmond following a road rage incident on Interstate 80 (I-80).

On May 25, at approximately 7:33 p.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Oakland Area office were dispatched to a freeway shooting that occurred on eastbound I-80, west of Hilltop Drive.

Responding officers contacted the victim at a secondary location after he exited the freeway to wait for emergency responders. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The CHP’s Golden Gate Division Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and opened an investigation. All lanes of eastbound I-80 at El Portal Drive were temporarily closed to allow officers to process the scene. After speaking with the victim and witnesses, it was determined that the shooting occurred following a road rage incident. Detectives are actively working to identify suspect(s) in this incident, and anyone with information is asked to call the CHP Investigative Tipline at (707) 917-4491.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security

Practice restraint: Seat belt safety at the forefront of CHP Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period May 22-25

By Leave a Comment

During National Click It or Ticket campaign May 18–31

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, CHP Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO— Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased traffic on roads across California as families travel to destinations and gatherings.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for the holiday weekend by launching a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m., through Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP officers will conduct targeted enforcement to identify reckless drivers and emphasize proper seat belt use for drivers and passengers.

While the national seatbelt usage rate remains above 90%, 2024 data shows that not wearing a seat belt continues to contribute to preventable deaths on California’s roads.

A seat belt can be the difference between walking away from a crash and never making it home.

From May 18–31, the California Highway Patrol will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign with increased seat belt enforcement. Officers will be stopping drivers and passengers who are not properly buckled up.

Too many lives are lost each year because someone chose not to wear a seat belt. In a crash, being ejected from a vehicle is often deadly, and airbags alone are not enough to protect you.

  • Buckle up correctly every trip:
  • Shoulder belt across your chest
  • Lap belt low across your hips
  • Never behind your back or under your arm

Learn more: www.nhtsa.gov/SeatBelts

————-

“Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. Crashes are unpredictable, and taking a moment to buckle up before every trip can mean the difference between life and death.” Commissioner Sean Duryee

————-

CLICK IN. DRIVE SAFE

Whether traveling on highways or local streets, wearing a seat belt is essential to reaching your destination safely.

In a crash, seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury by preventing vehicle occupants from being ejected. Preliminary data from 2024 and 2025 show that over 13,000 crashes statewide involved an unrestrained occupant, resulting in more than 1,300 fatalities, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

During last year’s Memorial Day HEP, which covered the same 78-hour period from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 27, 2025, CHP officers investigated 22 fatal crashes within its jurisdiction. Of the 21 vehicle occupants who died, nine were not wearing seat belts. During that period, CHP officers made more than 1,100 DUI arrests statewide.

The CHP’s Memorial Day HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click it or Ticket” initiative. The campaign highlights the lifesaving importance of seat belts and urges the public to take responsibility for their safety by buckling up on every trip.

SMALL PASSENGERS, BIG RESPONSIBILITY

Properly securing a child in the appropriate car seat or booster seat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them during a crash.

California law sets requirements for child passenger safety based on age, weight, and height. Choosing and properly using the correct car seat is essential for protecting young passengers traveling in a car.

The CHP’s Child Passenger Safety Program is dedicated to helping protect California’s youngest passengers through education, outreach and hands-on assistance for parents and caregivers. To connect with a car seat technician or have your car seat inspected, contact your local CHP office.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.