Enforcement begins as people urged to stay home

Despite pleas, millions expected to hit the road

Fewer Californians are expected to travel for Christmas this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge, yet data shows residents still are making trips to the store or work even after regional stay-athome orders were issued throughout the state earlier this month.

This week, the California Highway Patrol reminded drivers to stay sober, slow down, avoid distractions and buckle up no matter where they’re headed. The CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Period began Thursday evening as drivers hit the road for the holiday weekend.

All available officers will be on the road looking for speeders and intoxicated drivers through Sunday night, the CHP said. The officers also will be looking for drivers who may need help.

“Although traffic may be lighter this holiday season, it is not an invitation to speed,” CHP officials said in a news release. “The rules of the road still apply, and motorists should avoid driving tired, impaired or distracted.”

Even though fewer Californians traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend last month, the CHP reported 868 arrests throughout the state and 50 roadway deaths in a span of 102 hours of enforcement. The same holiday weekend last year had 867 arrests and 42 deaths.

During last year’s 30 hours of Christmas enforcement, 271 people were arrested and 10 people died, according to the CHP. In 2018, 1,166 people were arrested and 16 people died over the 102hour Christmas enforcement period.

AAA Northern California expects at least 34 million fewer travelers throughout the state compared with last year’s holiday season, but as many as 84.5 million people still may travel from last Wednesday through Jan. 3. That’s a 29% decline from last year, according to a AAA news release.

“With COVID-19 cases steadily increasing this month, the expected continued rise will prompt some would-be travelers to not follow through with upcoming travel plans,” AAA spokesman Sergio Avila said in the news release.

AAA expected up to 50 million travelers in California this past Thanksgiving, which would have been a 10% decline from last year. The final travel numbers are not yet available, but AAA expects the decline to be closer to 15-20%.

According to AAA, residents who decide to travel will do it in a vehicle; road trips will account for 96% of holiday travel. That means 81 million travelers will make road trips, which is at least a 25% decline from last year.