The California Highway Patrol is urging drivers to slow down.

The CHP says there has been an 87% increase in citations for speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour that coincides with the decreased traffic volume because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in citations by the Highway Patrol occurred as Caltrans measured an average decline of 35% in traffic volume compared to last year. From March 19 when the state's stay-at-home order began to April 19 , the CHP issued 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph. CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said , " It is alarming to see the number of citations officers are writing for excessive speeds on California roadways. Higher speeds can lead to much more serious injuries and significantly increase the chance of death should a crash occur."