SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – As the nation observes Memorial Day and honors those who paid the ultimate
sacrifice in service to our country, travel to gatherings with family and friends
will dramatically increase vehicles on roadways during the holiday weekend. In an effort to make sure motorists obey the
laws and reach their destinations safely, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will
enact a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).
With seat belt
safety the primary focus, the Memorial Day MEP will run from 6 p.m. Friday, May
27, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 30. CHP
officers will be patrolling throughout the state, monitoring the roadways for seat
belt violations, distracted drivers, speeders, and anyone suspected of driving
under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Memorial
Day should be a time for honoring our fallen heroes and spending time with loved
ones,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.
“It should never be marked by tragedy caused by car crashes. Please buckle up, follow all traffic laws,
and arrive at your destination safely.”
Nearly
two-thirds (63 percent) of all vehicle occupants killed in crashes within CHP
jurisdiction last Memorial Day were not wearing a seat belt. In all, 35 people died in crashes during the
78-hour MEP in California. Additionally,
CHP officers made 979 arrests throughout the state for driving under the
influence.
The CHP’s
Memorial Day MEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration’s ongoing “Click it or Ticket” seat belt campaign, which
continues through June 5.
The CHP
also reminds drivers to protect child passengers by placing them in
age-appropriate child safety seats.
Whether it is a harnessed safety seat or a booster, the law requires children
under 8 be secured in the backseat. Infants
and children under 2 should remain rear facing in their car seat. To have a child safety seat technician properly
install or check your child safety seat, please visit https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office
and schedule an appointment at your local CHP Area office.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety,
Service, and Security.
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