SACRAMENTO – Speed is the No. 1 cause of traffic collisions, and the California Highway Patrol has embarked on a statewide campaign to combat fatal and injury collisions caused by speed.

The anti-speed enforcement efforts of the “Focused Attention Towards Enforcing Speed” (FATES) continue through Sept. 30, 2012.

“We all know speeding is very, very dangerous. Leave a little extra time to get to your destination,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “It isn’t worth the consequences of injuries or worse yet, the death of your friends and loved ones.”

The objectives of the grant are to reduce the number of speed-related collisions occurring throughout the state, save lives, and prevent serious injury.

Some of the strategies that the CHP will employ to achieve these goals include enhanced enforcement and radar trailer deployments.

In addition to the enforcement efforts, public awareness campaigns and safety presentations will be held at schools, employee safety days, local auto events and other community functions throughout the state.

The consistent message to each audience is that speed kills.

“Nearly one-third of fatal and injury collisions in California are a direct result of speed,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Drivers need to be aware of the current conditions and the posted speed limit.”

Funding for the FATES project is provided by a grant awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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