CHP - Santa Maria

🚛 MISSED THE EXIT? TAKE THE NEXT ONE!🚨

Earlier today, a big rig pulling doubles was traveling southbound on SR-135 when the driver missed the transition to southbound SR-1. Rather than continuing to the next available route, the driver attempted to cross over a divided section of the highway to make the missed transition. 🛣️🚫

The big rig left the roadway and became stuck in the soft dirt, requiring a tow truck to respond and pull the truck back onto the roadway. 🚨🪝🚛

The driver was cited for California Vehicle Code § 21651(a)(1).

👉 The lesson: Don’t wait until the last second to make your lane change or exit. If you miss your turnoff, don’t make an unsafe or illegal maneuver to get back to it. Continue safely, follow the roadway, and find the next legal opportunity to turn around or get back on route. 🛣️➡️

A few extra minutes on the road are always better than putting yourself—and everyone else—at risk. Plan ahead, watch for signs, and make your moves safely and legally. 👀🚔

DriveSafe

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – SOUTHBOUND US-101 🚨

A semi-truck trailer caught fire on southbound US-101 near Alisos Canyon Road. The driver noticed the trailer was on fire, safely pulled over, and disconnected the trailer from his truck. Thankfully, the driver was not injured and the truck was not damaged. 🙏

The trailer was carrying approximately 35,000 pounds of produce from Salinas to Los Angeles. 🥬🍎🚛

⚠️ The southbound #2 lane will be closed until approximately noon. Closure times are approximate and may change as crews work to clear the scene.

🛠️ Road Trip Safety Reminder: Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to check your vehicle and trailer equipment. Make sure tires are properly inflated, brakes and lights are working, fluids are at proper levels, and trailers are securely connected. A quick inspection can help prevent a roadside emergency. ✅

🚗 Slow down, move over when safe, and give emergency and roadway crews plenty of room to work.

RoadTripSafety 🚔

👋 Great day at Allan Hancock College! 🎓

Today, the California Highway Patrol had the opportunity to participate in the Career Exploration Day at Allan Hancock College and connect with students and members of our community about career opportunities with the CHP.

One of our amazing civilian employees represented our department and shared that the CHP is about more than just uniformed officers! 🚔 There are a variety of career paths for people who want to serve their community, including:

📞 Public Safety Dispatcher/Operator
💻 Office and administrative positions
🔧 Automotive and equipment-related positions
📊 Analyst and professional positions
🚛 Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialist
…and many other civilian career opportunities!

Whether you’re interested in public safety, communications, administration, technology, or other professional fields, there may be a place for you within the California Highway Patrol. 💙

Thank you to Allan Hancock College for hosting such a great event and providing an opportunity for students and community members to explore their future career paths! 👏🎓

Your future could be with the CHP! 🚔💙

Today at the Santa Maria CHP Office, we had the privilege of hearing from two inspiring women during our training day.

Ashley Faison Maddox, a survivor of human trafficking, courageously shared her personal story and valuable insight. We were also honored to hear from CHP Commissioner Johnson, who shared her perspective on the Department, our direction, and the important work ahead.

Thank you both for taking the time to educate, inspire, and connect with our personnel. 💙

⭐ TODAY ⭐
CAR SEAT CHECK UP EVENT🚼
1111 Betteravia Rd
3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

💫 Ralph Dunlap Elementary School 💫
Thank you Principal Dollahite, PTA, and students for making Officer Barriga and Officer Traughber feel so welcome on your campus. Today we brought important safety messages covering pedestrian safety and bicycle safety.

A few important safety reminders:
👀 Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
🚦 Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
🚲 Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride.
📱 Put the phone away and stay alert to your surroundings.
🚗 Drivers—slow down and watch carefully for children near schools, crosswalks, and neighborhoods.

It is with profound sadness that the California Highway Patrol announces the line-of-duty death of Officer Brian Liles of the Visalia Area.

On September 28, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m., CHP Motorcycle Officer Liles was involved in an on-duty traffic crash on State Route 99, just north of State Route 190 in Tipton. He sustained critical injuries and, despite lifesaving efforts, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Officer Liles, 44, served the people of California for more than 16 years. After graduating from the CHP Academy in 2010, he was assigned to the San Jose Area and later served in the Hayward and Fresno Areas before transferring to the Visalia Area in 2019.

Officer Liles is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, and two sisters.

The CHP extends its deepest condolences to Officer Liles’ family, friends, loved ones, and all who served alongside him. His dedication to public service and commitment to protecting the people of California will not be forgotten.

That’s a wrap!! It was great seeing everyone today!

We are at the Los Alamos Old Days until 3:00 pm!! Come by and say hello! 👮