CHP declares maximum enforcement period

Increased traffic patrols will take place Nov. 24-28

The California Highway Patrol will be engaged in maximum enforcement of traffic violations for the remainder of the holiday week. The enforcement period will begin at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28.

During maximum enforcement periods all available officers patrol highways looking for speeding and signs of intoxicated driving. During the previous maximum enforcement period during Thanksgiving week last year, 868 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 33 people died on roads within CHP jurisdiction across the state.

“Wherever you choose to celebrate this Thanksgiving, drive safely,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a press release. “When getting behind the wheel, make certain you and all your passengers buckle up before heading out, and remember to always avoid distractions.”

In previous years, local towing companies have offered to give inebriated folks a ride home and tow their car behind them through a program called T.O.W.E.D., or Towing Operators Working to Eliminate Drunk Drivers, but AAA will not offer it this year due to the increasing popularity of rideshare services, a AAA spokesperson told the Times-Standard

Simultaneously, the CHP has engaged in a public relations campaign to prevent unsafe teen driving. The Teen Distracted Drivers campaign, which was funded by a grant from California’s Office of Traffic Safety, will have CHP officers and other traffic safety experts deliver lectures at schools and community events across the state. The grant will fund the program until Sept. 30, 2022.

“Data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicated that in 2019 there were nearly 44,000 crashes involving teen drivers between 15 to 19 years of age, including 231 fatal crashes. Although preliminary figures for 2020 indicated a drop in total crashes involving teen drivers in California, the number of teen driver-involved fatal crashes increased to 258,” according to a CHP press release.

Jackson Guilfoil can be reached at 707-441-0506.

ANDY HOLZMAN — LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS FILE During the previous maximum enforcement period during Thanksgiving week last year, 868people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 33people died on roads within CHP jurisdiction across the state.