PHOTOS by MILLENER
PRODUCTIONS
“Be SAFE & SOBER!”
for the Holiday Weekend
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide
the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.
Sacramento, California ___ Californians
love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food,
and fireworks. All too often these celebrations and festivities turn tragic
when someone decides to drink and drive a vehicle. The California Highway
Patrol (CHP) wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable
Independence Day weekend, but also wants you to make safe and smart choices
before getting behind the wheel.
The CHP will be out in full
force during the holiday weekend in an effort to reduce roadway deaths and
prevent injuries. The Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP)
begins on Friday, July 3, at 6:00 P.M. and continues through Sunday, July 5, at
11:59 P.M. All available officers
throughout the state of California will be deployed during the MEP to focus
enforcement on occupant restraints, speed violations, and those driving under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“This is a time for celebration, not tragedy,” said
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
“Celebrate this Independence Day by
having fun but also by being responsible in the choices you make.”
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, during the Fourth of July holiday period over the last five years (from
2008 to 2012), 765 people lost their lives in collisions involving drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration
of .08 or more. These fatalities account for 40 percent of all motor vehicle
traffic fatalities over this same five-year period.
Last year during the Independence Day weekend in
California 32 people were killed with 70 percent of those killed not wearing a
seat belt. During that same
time, more than 1,300 people were arrested by the CHP for driving under the influence. “We want
this year to be different, we want everyone to celebrate responsibly and get
home safely,” added Commissioner Farrow.
“Designate a sober driver before you head
out to celebrate and do your part to make this a safe holiday for everyone on
California’s roads.”