Citing recent complaints, CHP cracks down on slow-speed drivers in mountain communities
SAN GORGONIO PASS, Calif. — Saying, “We heard you, mountain communities,” California Highway Patrol officers have begun cracking down on slow-speed drivers throughout the Riverside County mountain areas of Idyllwild, Pine-Cove, and Mountain Center, as well as the Anza valley. The primary areas where the slow-speed enforcement has been happening is along state routes 74, 243 and 371.
The recent increase in slow-speed enforcement was the result of what CHP – San Gorgonio Pass has described as an influx of complaints about congestion and traffic hazards caused by drivers who fail to travel at the posted speed or to use appropriate turnouts, when available. Those already cited or warned include any vehicles traveling through the mountains at speeds slower than the posted speed limit, when five or more vehicles have begun to back up.
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CHP explained today that the increase in slow-speed driving enforcement was initiated by San Gorgonio Pass area Resident Post officers who took it upon themselves to address this problem.
“The vehicles pictured are just some of the drivers cited for failing to use appropriate turn-outs when traffic is building up behind them,” says CHP – San Gorgonio Pass.
“The San Gorgonio Pass Area is fortunate enough to have three officers dedicated to the Idyllwild, Pine-Cove, Mountain Center, and Anza communities,” CHP explains. “These officers work and live on the mountain and respond from their residences each shift to reduce response times and provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to our mountain communities.”
Regarding slow-speed drivers who impede or obstruct traffic, the California Vehicle Code explains, “No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law.”
Officials went on to explain “Whether you are driving a large semi-truck or just a passenger vehicle, you are required to let traffic pass when traveling at a speed lower than posted and five or more vehicles are behind you.”
“Please remember to drive safely on two-lane roads as they present different challenges than other roadways,” CHP continued; adding, “Reduce your speed to account for curves and grades, be patient with other drivers, and never pass unsafely!”
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Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.