CHP plans Maximum Enforcement Period over holiday season

With the holiday season well under way, families who plan to head out on the road to visit relatives and friends are advised to put safety first and follow the rules of the road as the California Highway Patrol will launch its annual Christmas Day Maximum Enforcement Period for the busy holiday period.

The period starts at 6:01 p.m. Friday and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday.

The primary focus of the four-day period will be speed enforcement, the CHP said, however; officers will also be vigilant for impaired drivers.

“Throughout this period, all available officers will be deployed on the roadways, intensifying enforcement efforts and assisting motorists,” the CHP said.

“As we celebrate the joy of the season, let’s make a collective commitment to prioritize safety on our roads,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Your loved ones are waiting for you at home — buckle up, drive responsibly and have a plan that includes a safe, sober ride before you head out for the evening.”

Poor choices behind the wheel such as speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving can have tragic consequences, the CHP said.

According to the CHP, during last year’s Christmas holiday enforcement period, 26 people were killed in crashes within its jurisdiction and nearly half of all the vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt.

CHP officers also made 639 arrests for DUI — the equivalent of one arrest for DUI nearly every seven minutes throughout the holiday weekend. The CHP encouraged people to celebrate responsibly to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely and always designate a sober driver or use public transportation, rideshare services, or taxi.

The CHP encourages the public to call 911 to report impaired drivers, excessive speeding and unsafe behavior on the roadways.