CHP TO INCREASE PATROLS IN EAST COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

October 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - The California Highway Patrol has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund more CHP patrols on East County highways and roadways.

The number of CHP officers will be increased on Interstate 8, State Routes 54, 95 and 125, as well as Jamacha Road, Dehesa Road, and Winter Gardens Boulevard.

The state hopes to reduce the number of crashes.  Over 2,000 people were injured and 50 were killed in just one year, from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012, in more than 1,500 accidents that occurred in the CHP’s El Cajon District that includes much of East County.

The grant also includes money for a safe driving program, which authorities hope will reduce the high number of crashes, many of which were caused by speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.