CHP preps for holiday weekend
DJ Becker/The Madera Tribune A California Highway Patrol officer writes out a speeding ticket after pulling over a driver along Avenue 15 in Madera.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be out in force over the Labor Day weekend, looking for impaired drivers and assisting motorists in need.
All available CHP officers will be on duty during the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), from 6:01 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday,. Drug recognition experts and CHP officers will be on patrol watching for impaired drivers as well as assisting motorists in need throughout the holiday weekend.
“Impaired driving remains one of the most serious traffic-related problems on our roadways today,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Let’s end the summer safely and remember to designate a sober driver, wear your seat belt, and obey all traffic laws.”
During the 2017 Maximum Enforcement Period, 30 people were killed in traffic collisions in California. In addition, the CHP made more than 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol throughout that holiday weekend.
The CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Program coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs through Sept. 3.
This law enforcement crackdown is intended to zero in on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and help reduce injury and fatal collisions on our roadways.
The public is encouraged to assist in removing danger from California’s roadways. If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.
