The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has reported a substantial decrease in freeway shootings for the second consecutive year. The 2023 statistics reveal a significant improvement in the state’s efforts to address and mitigate highway violence, the agency said.
Key Highlights for 2023:
- Freeway Shootings: Decreased from 349 to 274, marking a notable 21% reduction from the previous year and an impressive 38% decline from 2021.
- Fatalities: A remarkable 60% reduction in fatalities resulting from freeway shootings.
- Injuries: Incidents causing injuries witnessed an 8% decrease.
- CHP Arrests: Noteworthy increase of nearly 9% in CHP arrests related to freeway shootings.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the seriousness of freeway shootings as criminal offenses. Duryee stated, “Freeway shootings are serious crimes, and the CHP actively investigates every incident of highway violence. This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our highways throughout California and fostering an environment where motorists can travel without fear.”