SACRAMENTO ? California Highway Patrol officers are preparing for the final maximum enforcement period of the summer driving season.
Starting 6:01 p.m. Friday, officers will join motorists on California”s roads for the Labor Day enforcement. The holiday enforcement initiative continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday.
“I hope everyone enjoys the Labor Day weekend by keeping safety in mind,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “With many families headed for fun, the highways will be crowded and congested with traffic. Mixing these factors with alcohol, speed and not wearing a safety belt can lead to a deadly consequence.”
Although fatalities caused by collisions were far lower than previous Labor Day weekends, last year 12 people were killed in crashes on California roadways, CHP reported. In addition, 75 percent of all vehicle occupants killed in CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
In addition to the Labor Day enforcement, CHP is in the midst of an aggressive crackdown on impaired driving, which began Aug. 20. The national campaign, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest is a coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies throughout the country and continues through the holiday weekend.
Last year during the Labor Day weekend, CHP officers throughout the state made 1,417 arrests for driving under the influence.
“If we find you driving impaired we will arrest you, no exceptions,” Farrow said. “DUI is a careless disregard for human life.”
CHP encourages motorists to call 9-1-1 if they encounter a suspected drunk driver.
To help law enforcement intervene, callers should be prepared to provide dispatchers a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.
“Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Designate a driver in advance, always wear your seat belt, don”t speed and be sure to pay attention to the road,” Farrow said.
