The July 4 holiday weekend is a wonderful time to relax with family and friends, but keeping safety in mind can help ensure that celebrations remain nothing but fun and games for all involved.

Law enforcement officers want to make sure that revelers make it to and from their gatherings safely during the upcoming holiday weekend, CHP Officer Stephanie Buck said.

“During the holidays, a lot of the violations we see people are speeding as they try to get to their celebrations as quickly as possible,” she said. “We just want people to slow down and make it to their celebrations safely.”

Another important driving tip is to make sure that seat belts are worn by all travelers to minimize the risk of harm if an accident does occur.

“People need stay buckled up,” Buck said. “That doesn’t need to change just because it’s a holiday,” she added.

A dangerous driving offense that frequently occurs during holiday weekends are drivers getting behind the wheel after drinking alcoholic beverages.

According to CHP, officers arrested 1,684 people statewide under suspicion of DUI during last year’s three-day July 4 weekend.

To avoid potentially harmful situations during the upcoming weekend, CHP will be conducting a Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. Friday, July 3, through midnight on Saturday, July 5.

During the MEP, all available enforcement officers will be patrolling the roadways.

Traveling cautiously is vital to protect not just oneself, but also those around you.

“Make sure others are allowed to get to their celebrations safely as well,” Buck said.

-- Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000,  Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.