SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminded motorists to watch the speed limit, designate a non-drinking driver and wear their seat belts on the Fourth of July.
“When celebrating Independence Day, the CHP wants you to be safe. When driving, be sure to leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Most importantly, before heading out, insist everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt and children are secure in safety seats,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said.
A CHP maximum enforcement period (MEP) begins today at 6 p.m. and runs through Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
Last year, 34 people died in car crashes statewide during the Independence Day MEP — 11 more motorist deaths than reported during the 2010 holiday. Many of those killed in crashes in 2011 were not wearing seat belts.
“It is alarming to know that more than 80 percent of the people who were killed in vehicle collisions over the Independence Day holiday last year may have survived had they taken the time to buckle up,” Farrow said.
The CHP will also watch for impaired drivers. Officers made 1,562 arrests for driving under the influence charges during the 2011 Independence Day weekend.
