CHP out and about
This Labor Day weekend California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers will be on patrol enforcing the laws and making sure that motorists are safe. A Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) for the CHP, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday through Monday 11:59 p.m. During this time all available officers will be patrolling and will crackdown on impaired drivers, speeders, and those who are a danger to themselves and others on the state’s roadways.
Last year, 29 people were killed in traffic collisions across California; a 38% increase from the previous year. Motorists who abstained from using safety equipment contributed to the amount of casualties.
“It is very disheartening to know that 19 people lost their lives last Labor Day weekend as a result of not wearing their seat belt,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “What a tremendous price to pay for something that is entirely preventable.”
For those who decide to partake in alcohol the CHP encourages motorists to use a non-drinking designated driver and to call 9-1-1 to report suspected drunk drivers.
Last year there was an average of 1,500 arrests for impaired driving.
“Impaired driving is more than a social issue, it is a criminal issue,” said Commissioner Farrow. “As motorists travel throughout California, I want them to know the CHP will be out in force, working hard to remove impaired drivers and motorcycle riders from the roads. Our goal is for everyone to get safely to their destination.”
Safety tips for this weekend include; wearing the proper safety attire while the vehicle is in motion, making sure that the motorist is not distracted behind the wheel i.e. establishing a distraction free zone, leaving plenty of travel time between the motorists departure and arrival point and making sure that the driver is well rested.
Also motorists need to be aware of the move over or slow down law which requires motorists and motorcycle riders to slow down when approaching and passing an emergency personnel vehicle, which includes tow trucks or Department of Transportation vehicles when displaying flashing emergency lights or amber warning lights, that is stopped on the freeway.
