SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The holiday season is upon
us, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants travelers to get to their
destinations safely.
“With anticipated high volumes of traffic, and
impending winter storms, the CHP wants you to slow down, buckle up, and never
drive impaired,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Give yourself some
extra time to get to your destinations, make sure your vehicles are fueled up
and properly equipped for your travels, and most of all, always designate a
sober driver.”
According to data from the CHP’s Statewide
Integrated Traffic Records System, 28 people were killed in California crashes
throughout the Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) last year. During
that 54 -hour MEP, CHP officers made 341 arrests for driving under the
influence. Additionally, the CHP issued 1,151 citations for speeding violations
and 16 citations for occupants not being properly restrained.
The CHP will begin the MEP at 6:01 p.m. on
Friday, December 23, and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 25.
During that time, all available officers will be on the road for enhanced
enforcement and to assist any motorists or pedestrians in need.
During the MEP, the CHP will deploy all
available officers to patrol the highways looking to remove impaired
drivers. Additional focus will be placed on speeding, which is one of the
primary causes of crashes in California.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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