SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – To help keep motorists safe during this busy travel season, the
California Highway Patrol (CHP) is giving the gift of traffic safety tips. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays,
leave the dashing to the reindeer and take your time to ensure you arrive
safely at your destination.
Another
way to stay safe on the road during a time that may include increased celebrations
is to designate a non-drinking driver. Unfortunately,
more than 1,000 drivers did not heed this advice prior to the Christmas Day
Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) in 2018, resulting in 1,166 arrests by CHP
officers for driving under the influence.
“Our
goal at the CHP is for everyone to get home safe. When a person chooses to drink and drive, it
not only puts their safety at risk, but it endangers the life of everyone on
the road with them,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “We encourage the public to help us save
lives and remove these dangerous drivers from the roadway by reporting them to
9-1-1.”
According
to data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, at least 16
people were killed and nearly 350 others were injured in collisions involving
impaired drivers in California throughout the 102-hour holiday enforcement
period last year.
This
year’s Christmas MEP begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and concludes at
11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25. During
that time, all available officers will be on the road for enhanced enforcement
and to assist any drivers who need help.
Whether
your holiday travel includes destinations near or far, it will likely mean
increased traffic on the roadways. It is
important to practice safe driving habits, including getting plenty of rest,
avoiding distractions, and always buckling up.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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