Caltrans is reducing the speed limit from 70 mph to 65 mph on a long, rural stretch of Highway 101 that links San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.

The decision came after the agency evaluated data from the California Highway Patrol that cited an increase in fatality and injury collisions along the 43 miles of highway from San Miguel to King City, according to a news release from Caltrans.

Data from the CHP showed that more motorists break the speed limit along the corridor and at higher speeds, according to the release.

The CHP in King City said that 71% of its speeding citations for motorists driving more than 100 mph happen in this corridor.

The reduced speed limit and new signs indicating the change will be implemented by next Friday, the release said.

The decision to drop the speed limit from 70 mph to 65 mph is part of the Caltrans director’s Policy 36, which aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on California roads by 2050.

“Safe roads, speeds, vehicles, road users and post-crash care all reinforce multiple layers of protection to protect everyone,” Caltrans said.