SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – As millions of people begin to venture out onto California’s busy roadways
for the upcoming holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing to
serve up its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).
Beginning
at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on
Sunday, Nov. 26, the MEP aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and
fatalities during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
“Thanksgiving
is a time for gratitude and celebration, but the holiday is also associated
with increased travel and a higher risk of traffic incidents,” said CHP
Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our officers
will be on patrol to take enforcement action as necessary and to provide
assistance to motorists who are stranded or in need of help on the side of the
road.”
During
the MEP, CHP officers will be working to assist and educate motorists and
enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state, actively looking for unsafe
driving behaviors, including impaired or distracted driving, speed and reckless
driving, and people not wearing seat belts.
Last
year during the Thanksgiving MEP, 37 people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s
jurisdiction. The CHP’s holiday
enforcement effort also resulted in more than 8,600 citations issued to
motorists for speed and seat belt violations.
Additionally, CHP officers made 1,016 arrests for driving under the
influence during the four-day period.
“Remember
to prioritize safety as you travel during the holidays,” added Commissioner
Duryee. “Observe speed limits, avoid
distractions, and ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. Responsible driving contributes to a happy and
safe holiday.”
The mission of the CHP is to
provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security